Question

How did helen acquire proficiency in french and latin languages

Answer 1

Helen had a French grammar in raised print, and she already knew some French, she often amused herself by composing in her head short exercises, using the new words as she came across them. She even tried, without aid, to master the French pronunciation, as she found all the letters and sounds described in the book. Thus she acquired a sufficient knowledge of French to read with pleasure.

When Miss Sullivan and Helen were visiting the family of Mr. William Wade in Hulton, Pennsylvania, Mr. Irons, a neighbor of theirs was a good Latin scholar. It was arranged that Helen would study under him. He was a man of rare, sweet nature and wide experience. He taught her Latin grammar. At first Helen was unwilling to study the grammar, but as she got deeper into the subject, she became more interested in the beauty of the language. She often amused herself by reading Latin passages, picking up words she understood and trying to make sense. Thus she acquired proficiency in both the languages.

Answer 2

Helen began studying French with Madame Olivier, a French lady who did not know the manual alphabet and who was obliged to give her instructions orally. Helen could not read her lips easily so her progress was much slower than German. But she managed to read 'Le Medecin Malgre Lui' again. In the French course she also read some of the works of Corneille, Moliere, Racine, Alfred de Musset and Sainte-Beuve. She liked Moliere and Racine best. In case of Latin, she had never taken a course of study with the idea of preparing for college before. Her studies in Latin began in earnest when she received her Latin copy in braille so that she could recite with other girls. However, her imperfect speech became an impediment and she found out that she could not make class notes or write exercises. But she wrote all her compositions and translations at home on the typewriter. But Miss Sullivan laboured with Helen daily and spelled everything into her hands with infinite patience.