Reflections on the Works of Helen Keller - Essay Example

She grew up to become a teacher, writer, and motivator despite her physical incapability. I strongly believe that language is a liberating factor and the refinement of our language ability can unleash a colossal improvement to our humanity.

Unlike Helen Keller, I have taken language for granted, thinking that it is just a part of being human and that it is nothing really special. However, reading her account of how her teacher Anne Sullivan laboriously taught her the magic of language revealed to me that language is a gift. Helen was very enthusiastic to learn more about language: “Everything had a name, and each name gave birth to a new thought” (71).

I think I can never really recall how I slowly learn to understand the meaning of language. All I know is that, as an infant, I might have solely relied on non-verbal communication to relay my message to my mother and caregiver. It was not until I was two or three that I learned to associate words with their meanings. This discovery might not have been that amazing or exciting to me. The value and appreciation of language came later in my life.

Personal experiences taught me how language liberates an individual and brings good things to other people. I have faced several disappointments and failures. During these situations, I have relied on language to pour out my anger and frustrations. A conversation with someone close to me through the use of words could easily encourage and uplift my spirit. I know that everyone will be delighted by the kind and encouraging words uttered when facing difficult times.

Helen Keller proved that we can all surpass our expectations of ourselves by refining our language ability and by using language appropriately. I believe that even though we cannot measure up to the intellect of Helen Keller, we all can use language to propagate good things. Having no great idea is not a hindrance to how we can utilize this gift for the betterment of society. Oftentimes, it’s not the huge things but the little things that matter. Using language to mend a broken friendship, to show our love to our friends and family, to encourage a depressed friend, to tell an ordinary person that he or she is special, and even making someone laugh are seemingly little things that have a huge impact on mankind. If we all start using language appropriately together we can be like Helen who showed the world that language can make a huge difference.