Joy Laxton: The Role of Language in Life

Our discussion in class on language, hermeneutics, and Hellen Keller made me question the significance language plays in an individual’s life.  In class we discussed Helen Keller’s story in which she was able to be lifted out of darkness once she was able to make the connection between the sign for water and the water flowing in her hand.  We also discussed the preconceptions language can hold, according to Gadamer’s writings, and how some experiences are outside the hold of language and cannot immediately, if ever be explained.  It is interesting to consider the power language can hold in revealing truth in stories and myth and allowing individuals to feel connected with one another, as in Hellen Keller’s case and Lewis’ quote “we read to know we are not alone,” but also how it does not hold the ultimate power over experiences. 

In one of my other classes, we also discussed language and how it is seen as a defining characteristic of humans.  We watched a documentary on a little boy who was abandoned as a child and survived living in the woods for years, but once saved he was unable to learn language.  He was, however, able to learn empathy and understanding of other emotions.  I think this example further illustrates how although significant, life is not limited by the language which often dominates it.