Old: English Language and Mirror Perfect Twins Essay

Submitted By AlexysDuncan
Words: 719
Pages: 3

Many know the English language is one of the most complex languages in the world to learn, even if you are a native speaker. Words often look like mirror perfect twins, yet when applied those words carry meanings and connotations most would not anticipate. It is strange that we have such a convoluted language and think it is so simplistic. The true test for mastery of our language is how to clearly distinguish two words like instrument and tool, religion and cult, and terrorist and revolutionary. Some words that seem similar or synonymous actually are not. Most English speaking people would tell you that there is no difference between an instrument and a tool, but when these words are applied in everyday conversation people will be offended if you call a violin a tool. The oddity of the connotation of the word ‘tool’ is that while it is a catalyst needed to create something, it carries the feeling of being simple and expendable. Instrument on the other hand implies it is a thing of worth and is -relatively- irreplaceable. For example, to call a pianist’s piano a tool they use to create multiple sounds that combine into that which we call music is incorrect. The piano was slaved over, loved, and as proudly made as any masterpiece; ergo it is an instrument. Another example is that while a jackhammer is the instrument that one uses to break apart concrete and stone, it is not to be mistaken for an instrument. It cannot be an instrument, because it is mass produced and easily replaceable. Although tool and instrument are in essence the same, they are as different as synonyms can be.
Much of history is dotted with brave, shining examples of revolutionaries that rise up against governments who dare to oppose them. Yet how are revolutionaries so different from terrorists like al-Qaeda? How can these two rebels be on the opposite sides of the spectrum of moral and immoral? For example, George Washington is hailed as a founder of our nation since he led the American revolutionaries against the British. On the surface he seems to be a man who could not stand injustice, but he was a British citizen and therefore a revolutionary who attacked a government using terrorist methods. Another example would be those poor French men and women, revolutionaries, who revolted against Louis XVI because the King was starving the country while enjoying sumptuous feasts. Such a noble cause, yet they promptly started the Reign of Terror that used terrorism to validate and protect their new government. Though people would love to say a terrorist and a revolutionary are as different as can be, they are in actuality two faces on the same coin;