Language by MRS. A. A. BANKS.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1908

Language

By MRS. A. A. BANKS.

LANGUAGE stands paramount in importance because of its universal existence as a medium of communication. Everywhere her voice may be heard in communion between finite and finite and between the finite and the Infinite. The influence of language on the life and character makes it a prime factor in the establishment of morals, and it should receive attention commensurate with its importance.

Language is classified as oral and written. The oral takes the precedence, although it is through the written or printed form that knowledge is, perhaps, more widely diffused. By means of books, the loftiest and most brilliant thoughts of all ages are preserved for future generations, as a means of promoting civilization and refinement, by diffusing in the mind highest ideals and loftiest aspirations.

Children should early be taught to express their thoughts with force and accuracy, using only pure language. Childhood is the period of life when correct forms of speech are most easily learned. It has been demonstrated that correct forms of speech may be successfully taught as soon as a child is able to form a sentence, for impressions made in the formative period of life while the mind is yet in the plastic stage, are both deep and lasting, and habits acquired at this particular time become a part of his being as truly as if bestowed by Mother Nature herself. If we allow the child to use incorrect forms of speech, we later have the difficult task of uprooting established errors, often with the unsatisfactory result of making his language appear artificial and affected, as though put on for the occasion.

The work of language culture, already begun in the home, should, without interruption, be continued in the school by being correlated with all other subjects. The use of the dictionary should be taught in connection with this work. The study of English grammar, as I understand it, is not alone for the purpose of teaching the correct use of English, but also for the purpose of exercising the powers of thought, making them reflective. To be able to understand the office and relationship of words as arranged in sentences, is to render clear and definite that which might otherwise appear ambiguous, thus enabling the reader to comprehend the meaning intended by the writer.

To many the study of grammar seems dry and senseless, but if continued to completion, the familiar terms and distinctions of grammar will mean much, the powers of thought will be trained to a keener appreciation of the significance of language, and a more profound enjoyment of the things bestowed by our loving Benefactor.

MRS. A. A. BANKS.