Latin as a Universal Language

Abstract

I HAVE read with interest the letter of Sir Lauder Brunton on Latin as a universal language. I sincerely hope the matter will not be allowed to drop. As a contribution, may I say that we have taught Latin here as a spoken language for fourteen years past, just as French and German are taught, and the result is eminently satisfactory. The reality which is given to the study so quickens the boys' interest that their work is much better done, and about one-fifth of the time usually given to the study is enough to bring them up to the usual standard of the open scholarship examinations. But the chief benefit is the effect on ordinary boys in the earlier stages, who can take pleasure and pride in their work when they feel able to use it. We have “Latin teas”, Latin plays, and if you choose to address them in Latin on the playing field they will be pleased to respond.