Language is a system of terms that are used in a particular manner and carry a particular meaning. The building blocks of language are words, each one carries a meaning which Langer describes in her essay Language and thought as having symbolic significance. Symbols and signs are the words of the language, where symbols can trigger a particular thought and not just a mere announcement of an object as signs do. This symbolic expression allows us to think outside of our immediate stimuli, and this is " a tangent that takes us far away from the mere biological cycle that animal generations accompli

Malcolm X describes how his knowledge and intellect was expanded through his studies of language in his essay Homemade Education. When imprisoned in jail he feels a need to be able to express himself better and more accurately, so he studies the language by memorizing words and their meanings from a dictionary. Just like Keller through language he is able to broaden his knowledge, "Anyone who has read a great deal can imagine the new world that opened"(Malcolm X 55). Both of these great scholars became knowledgeable through their studies and exposure to language.

When a person learns about history or mechanics or even reads the newspaper he or she begins formulating their own ideas. This causes a person to take action to improve a certain situation. Because of this we as humans have evolved as a highly intelligent society, we are able to use language not only to communicate with each other but we are able to enlighten and educate ourselves. We are able to not only share ideas but also to for

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Approximate Word count = 673
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)