Lessons in the Speaking, and Writing of English, Vol. 1: Book One Language Lessons (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

Excerpt from Lessons in the Speaking, and Writing of English, Vol. 1: Book One Language Lessons

The study of English is of supreme importance to the people of the United States. With no other subject in the curriculum is the national well-being so intimately connected. The very existence of the republic depends in no small measure upon the possession and use of a language that carries the same meaning clearly and unequivocally to every citizen, of whatever race or traditions. This would be true even if language were merely an instrument of communication which left unchanged the mind and character of its user. But, as everyone knows, no language can be used habitually without modifying profoundly the forms of thought, the knowledge, the beliefs, the traditions, the ideals, and the character of anyone who uses it. The English language is therefore the most potent single force now transforming our heterogeneous population into a homogeneous and unified people.

But this is not all. Language, not as an instrument of use, but as an object of study, is unsurpassed for the development of the thinking powers. True of all languages, this is especially true of English, the whole organization and meaning of which exercise the logical and rational faculties. Whatever may be the case with other languages, English cannot be studied as a purely formal discipline. The content is of greater importance than the form; and the content of language is as varied as human life and almost as educative.

It is desirable, therefore, that English should be taught in our schools not only in such ways as will provide a uniform in strument of clear and exact communication, but also in such ways as will cultivate the power of clear and exact thinking, and establish noble ideals of life and character.

Success in this arduous but inspiring task lies in the hands of the teachers of our common schools and of those who have the power to lighten or make heavy their task by providing or with holding the proper conditions and means of labor.

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