Language and learning about linear scale: Talking the walk

Visual texts such as linear scales are in common use in mathematics. However, to use these effectively students need to develop a language to discuss the concepts and mathematics embedded within them. This article reports on 62 interviews with students who explained how they answered questions involving linear scales. Many of these students did not have adequate language to effectively discuss linear scales. The article proposes a language to use with linear scales and describes activities to develop that language.