In the exact same way that mathematical notation expands cognition of math. By giving us a way to agree on and define ideas in a way that allows us to discuss,

In the exact same way that mathematical notation expands cognition of math. By giving us a way to agree on and define ideas in a way that allows us to discuss, think about, and develop further, related ideas. As we grow, we construct a massive scaffold of ideas built on other ideas. Some of the accounts of Pirahã subjects are really interesting: IIRC when shown two groups of (for example) 4 and 7 objects and asked to describe the difference between them, some people didn't care to answer or said they were the same. Others were puzzled; they could tell there was a difference, but couldn't articulate what it was. And you need to be able to articulate/describe that difference before you can go on to trigonometry.