History: The reason that we use language
History is the area of knowledge which records and analysis the past events. History pays a key component in understanding the temporal nature of human life. We acquire knowledge of history through two main ways of knowing, language and reason. Language is the way which we communicate history; therefore it defines what we understand through communicating events and facts. Reason, which can be seen through proof and knowledge is vital in assessing the validity of historical claims. Language and reason are essential in the understanding of history. Language is the way which we communicate history; therefore it defines what we understand through communicating events and facts. When communicate a historical event to someone, the words which we choose to use, the tone which we choose to say it in, and the context of which the story is told molds the mind of the learner. Because we only know what we do about history from other people’s accounts we are entirely dependent on someone else to relay information and make judgments. With the exception of primary sources (people who were there at the time of the event or original documentation), our knowledge history is entirely dependent on others. Language can be communicated in a verbal or written way. In both instances, the way which people communicate historical events to others shapes the way that they will understand and feel about the event. Take into consideration the September eleventh attack on the United States. People, who were too young to understand what was going on, or who were not born yet, only know the facts of the attack through other people’s accounts. They are reliant on newscasters, first responders, bystanders, or victims to give them information about the attack. The primary sources are the most genuine forms