Latin To Be Introduced At 40 State Secondaries In England

[naomi24]

//£4m scheme will form part of government effort to counter subject’s reputation as elitist//

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/jul/31/latin-introduced-40-state-secondaries-england

A difficult one. I tend to think that teaching modern languages is more beneficial to the majority - but I would welcome teaching Latin selectively - which makes it elitist. No?

[jno]

maggiebee, do they teach any forms of Gaelic in Scottish schools?

[pat2604]

Exactly jno. It's a great asset when it comes to understanding other languages.

[jno]

I believe so, pat2604, but I also realise understanding other languages isn't always high on the British list of priorities.

[maggiebee]

jno - quote from Dundee Education Dept. "There is currently no provision for Gaelic education in Dundee's schools or support given for adult learning, although we are aware of Gaelic classes run by Tayside Language Centre and the University of Dundee."
I understand that Gaelic is taught in other regions of Scotland and parents can request that their children go to a school where Gaelic is taught. I personally know at least 4 Gaelic speakers.

[pixie374]

I believe that, jno. But, still don't understand why it's "elitist" when it is taught in both private and state schools?
My youngest, at a secondary school, 2 years ago, chose Latin, over Photography, Media Studies or Philosophy and Ethics. Free school, so why elitist?

[THECORBYLOON]

In the Western Isles, new pupils are taught in Gaelic unless the parents opt out

[ichkeria]

Good news. It’s a dead language but it isn’t taught for the same reason as other languages. It’s a discipline and not necessarily ridiculously difficult either.

No reason why it should mainly be taught at independent schools to the degree it currently is

[jno]

thanks, maggiebee. I'm all in favour of keeping languages alive myself, assuming there's any demand for it. That's not exactly true of Latin, which has few speakers outside the Vatican, but I still think it's really valuable for anyone interested in language generally. (I don't think that makes it elitist.)

[The Builder]

Pixie... even Icelanders will tell you to steer well clear of Icelandic ;o)

The other Scandinavian languages have evolved a little away from Old Norse. Icelandic is still closer to ON.
If any, it's closer to Norwegian, but not that close.
Most Icelanders for instance, don't get on with Danish at all. It's mainly the alphabet. Swedish has our vowels plus three of their own.
Icelandic has loads of their own, derived from their old Runic alphabet.
Look up the Icelandic alphabet......... you'll run a mile ;o)

Luckily for us, Scandis tend to have near perfect English.
There's an old gag that says:
"if you hear someone in Sweden speaking English with an accent.......... then they're probably not Swedish ;o)

[maggiebee]

jno I didn't do Latin at school (not brainy enough) but have picked up a bit over the years. Always thought that the English language was easier to understand if you looked at the Latin root.

[pixie374]

TB, yes, I have seen their alphabet:-). I only got so far though, before I gave up, and kind of wish I hadn't. She actually said Danish was straightforward, if you knew Icelandic? And that the others(except English) were similar enough to be "easy".
Out of pure nosiness... :-) was there a particular reason you chose Swedish, or just fancied it?

Maggie, you are easily brainy enough. It's easier than English. Much more regular and makes total sense.

[The Builder]

If you really want to get complicated Pixie, Danish was heavily influenced by Dutch, as there was a huge amount of trade between them centuries ago. But that's another story.

Perhaps it was just my Icelandic acquaintance who didn't get on with Danish.
Anyway... why do we get interested in any particular subject? I've always been fascinated by Swedish culture, and the people. As a f@rty liberal/humanist etc, I came across their "Jantelagen", The Laws of Jante. it's like a ten commandments of how to treat others in society. Something just struck a chord in me.

As always, there are more fatuous reasons.
I used to drive a Scania (articulated truck), and I loved it. All the controls were in Swedish. (I particularly like "f@rt" which means "speed".
Oh, and I've always been in love with Ingrid Bergman.
(I've read the biography 3 times) ;o)

[pixie374]

All perfectly good reasons, tb :-)

[pixie374]

And actually, I seem to remember "fart" meaning plate... for much hilarity for the kids...

[pixie374]

Ah, dish...

[The Builder]

Haha............ that's "fat" in icelandic.
(Long A... sounds like faaat)

[pixie374]

Yep... the kids loved it anyway :-). My gran... not so much.

[carolegif]

I learned Latin at a private Junior school. It really helped my when learning Spanish and French. Good for quiz answers too!

[The Builder]

Anyway. I think I've dragged Naomi's thread off topic.
Maybe I should use the Icelandic word for "goodbye"

"Bless"
Isn't that nice? ;o)

[pixie374]

Very nice :-). And apologies, too, naomi.
But I actually have one question, out of interest, if anyone can help.
My grandparents (both Icelandic) had two babies, my mum and my aunt... and before they were 5, they moved to England... apparently, as my grandfather was determined to fight in the War. Now, being Icelandic, would he have been allowed to?
I would sincerely appreciate any answers... as he apparently disappeared during the war, my gran refused to ever speak about him again... and my mum and aunt don't know what happened x