Classical flour
The back of a flour lorry, complete with Latin motto 'be mindful'. Latin used to be very widely taught in Scottish schools - in the 1970s my state secondary school in the north of Scotland offered not just Latin, to university entrance level, but classical Greek as well. Modern languages were French, German, Russian, Italian and Spanish. Now, last time I looked, my old school was offering only two European languages, and Latin and Greek had been discontinued. My children have both studied Latin as a compulsory subject at school, and I'm glad they've had the opportunity. They may not think it's done them any good, but I'm sure it hasn't done them any harm. And they may even be able to translate the back of a passing flour lorry.
It would be nice to at least have a few of the Latin basics still taught in school. The only language option that is certain in Canada is French. In larger cities other languages are available, but in small towns, French is the only compulsary option.
ReplyDeleteYes a lucky recipient of a Latin Higher here. It is amazing how Latin and Greek, Russian, Italian French and German were taught in state schools back in the cash strapped 70s. i found my latin useful for - ooh - crosswords. Also, combined with French i found I could understand some Spanish and Italian. xxx
ReplyDeleteI remember that they offered Latin (and Russian, German, Spanish and French) when I was in high school, but since foreign languages were not required for my graduating class, I decided to go crazy with several music classes instead (band, orchestra AND show choir). Whole fat lot of good that did me. :P Interestingly, I had an opportunity to be a linguist in the military and decided to go with Chinese. I honestly think it was easier to learn Chinese without having previous foreign language study to muddle it all up in my noggin, but now I regret not having studied a language in high school. Maybe I'll take some language classes after I finish my Masters Degree...?
ReplyDeleteWhen my brother and I were in high school, they were still teaching Latin to the students in the international program (program for gifted students which I never made because my math skills left something to be desired, so I was left to twiddles my thumbs in every class BUT math) and he HATED it. They phased it out just as he finished the program now and now all they teach for all the students are English and Spanish. Funny though, my Latin is now way better than my brother's ever was because I sing in a choir and work for the Catholic church, so voilà ! Latin galore lol
ReplyDeleteI homeschooled my last 2 children amd Amber says that the study of Greek and Latin was the BEST thing for her education! She is a full time freelance writer with her own company and has BEEN a writer all her life! We used to recite The Lord's Prayer in Latin back in our home school days.....complete with our Texan drawl!
ReplyDeleteWe had to take Latin for 4 years at my school and we had a wonderful teacher who made it a living language so I loved it. Does come in handy for the crosswords!
ReplyDeleteI always like to learn new languages and one word with a photo is just good pace to me.
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