英语名人堂：海伦·凯勒

海伦·凯勒(Helen Keller，1880年6月27日-1968年6月1日)，著名的美国女作家、教育家、慈善家、社会活动家。在十九个月时因患急性胃充血、脑充血而被夺去视力和听力。1899年6月考入哈佛大学拉德克利夫女子学院。1968年6月1日逝世，享年88岁，却有87年生活在无光、无声的世界里。在此时间里，她先后完成了14本著作。其中最著名的有：《假如给我三天光明》《我的人生故事》《石墙故事》。她致力于为残疾人造福，建立了许多慈善机构，1964年荣获“总统自由勋章”，次年入选美国《时代周刊》评选“二十世纪美国十大英雄偶像”之一。

《假如给我三天光明》是美国当代著名作家海伦·凯勒的代表作。该书的前半部分主要写了海伦变成盲聋人后的生活，后半部分则介绍了海伦的求学生涯。同时也介绍她体会不同的丰富多彩的生活以及她的慈善活动等等。她以一个身残志坚的柔弱女子的视角，告诫身体健全的人们应珍惜生命，珍惜造物主赐予的一切。另外，《我的人生故事》是海伦·凯勒的自传性作品，被世界称为文学史上无与伦比的杰作。

Helen Adams Keller was an American author, activist and lecturer. She was the first American deaf and blind person to graduate from college. From an early age she decided to communicate with the world, despite her barriers to communication. She became a prolific author, anti-war campaigner and spokeswoman for women’s and worker’s rights. She is also an inspiration to millions.

Helen Keller was born in Alabama in 1880. When she was nineteen months old, she contracted a mysterious illness that left her deaf and blind. She developed a friendship with the daughter of her family’s cook, who created a sign language with her. By the age of seven, Helen was using over 60 signs with her family. She knew she could communicate.

In 1886, her mother read Charles Dickens' book ‘American Notes’ about the successful education of a deaf and blind child. She decided to seek help for Helen and was put in touch with 20-year-old teacher Anne Sullivan. She became Helen’s instructor and friend for the next 49 years. Helen learnt Braille and used it to learn French, German and Greek.

Keller had great ambitions and went on to become a world-famous speaker and author. She campaigned for people with disabilities, among many other causes. She travelled to 39 countries and was friends with US presidents and famous figures, including Charlie Chaplin, and Mark Twain. Keller also wrote twelve books and many articles on social issues. Keller died in her sleep in 1968,aged 87.