Readers respond to an opinion article previously published in The Guardian (8 August) which declared Latin a dead language with little relevance to modern education.
Letters to the Editor
Is there any demand for Latin among students today? Indeed, there is. In primary school, pupils have learned Latin, and have come to it with no preconceptions about elitism or difficulty. They move on to secondary school expecting Latin to continue. Far from being a dead language, Latin today is a living subject that broadens cultural understanding and educational horizons.
Sarah Jackson
Founding chair, Classics for All
At my school in the 1960s, I. was able to take domestic science and Latin. Latin was a prerequisite for university entry at that time, but I have never regretted taking it. It has logic and is a fascinating tool for unpicking the meaning of words in English, and a key to learning other European languages.
Domestic science also stood me in excellent stead, providing a basic understanding of food science and a lifetime’s enthusiasm for cooking. Both subjects should be included in school timetables as being valuable, relevant life skills. Surely that is what education is for?
Vivien Scorer
Southwell, Nottinghamshire
I am a retired teacher of Latin in more than one comprehensive school. Your correspondent does not realise what a bedrock Latin is for understanding and appreciating modern Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French, etc) and how necessary it is for some professions – archeology for one, not to mention its use with Greek in science.
I have several former pupils who have done very well in life using their knowledge of a language which covered much of the world.
Mary Vicary
Church Stretton, Shropshire
(www.theguardian.com, 13.08.2021. Adapted.)
Answer the following questions, in Portuguese. Be concise and direct, and do not repeat the question in your answer.
a) In the first letter, does Sarah Jackson agree or disagree with the content of the opinion article published on 8 Aug? Identify one idea from her letter that confirms your answer, and write it down.
b) As they react to the opinion article, the writers of the second and third letters present similar supporting reasons. What is there in common in the argumentation presented in the first paragraph of each of the two letters? What is there in common in the argumentation presented in the second paragraph of each of the two letters?