How Classical Languages Has Helped in The Development of School Learning Programs

Classic language is a language with a literature that is classical. Classic Latin and Ancient Greek were once considered central to an academic education in many countries. Latin was the language of much academic discussion until the eighteenth century; it was used since it could be understood by all “educated” people. During the second half of the twentieth century, Latin and Greek were marginalized in many school curriculum; they are now rarely compulsory and most pupils do not have the opportunity to study them because classic languages are no longer in everyday spoken use. Whereas there are many literary works use Latin or Ancient Greek language. Thus, Classic languages should be taught in school.

Classical languages is important for pupils, therefore school should deliver this kind of subject. there are many benefit that pupils can get from having this kind of subject. First, Learning classical languages gives pleasure to those who study them; since they are satisfying intellectual challenges. A substantial proportion of those who are given the opportunity to study Latin and/or Greek at school continue this study at university. Societies should not be obsessed with balance sheets and vocational skills, but should seek to provide cultural enrichment to their citizens. Second, knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek is helpful for those who want study modern languages. Knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek is helpful for those who wish to learn modern languages. They are useful for understanding the etymology (the study of the origins and development of words) of English words. For the evidence, Lieberman (1969) notes that : “However, what cannot be denied in this Latin-English relationship is that as much as 50% of English vocabulary is of Latin origin and that the probability ,if not the certainty, of improving a student's English vocabulary is great if attention is paid to the study of the Latin elements in the vocabulary.” (Pg. 10). The last benefit is works written in Latin and Greek address issues fundamental to human condition. Works written in Latin or Greek; by Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Vergil) discuss about important issue with the human condition, such as love, death, politics, morality and adventure. Lieberman (1969) said that: “The second matter which cannot be challenged, and which may be even more important for our times is that the ideas, ideals, and political institutions of Classical antiquity as depicted in its literature, served and still serve as basic models for those of modern times.” (Pg. 11). These works have stood the test of time: they exerted great influence on western thinking for two millennia and remain widely read.

My opponents may argue that all these skills can be learned through the study of other subjects. It is wrong because; first, even if all subjects must show practical economic utility, the study of Classics is still justifiable. Translation of Latin and Greek teaches concentration, attention to detail and logical thought. Familiarity with classical literature improves the ability to write clearly, concisely and eloquently. These are all skills valued by employers; people who have studied Classics have reached the top of politics, commerce, diplomacy and law. Second, because the other subjects does not provide full explanation about classical language. Another subject like modern language such as English, only give the example of the classical languages that used in the subject. Another subject is biology that frequently use Latin languages in its subject. Yet, it does not give full explanation about the classical languages that used in those subjects. Last but not least is we should focus on this subject to get deeper understanding of classical language. Although it is rare a school that teach classical languages, but we still there are some schools that teach this kind of lesson and make it as a lesson, means it does not combine with another subject. So that the students will get deeper understanding about classical languages.

Perhaps, one might argue that even if Latin and Greek were worth studying, it would be counterproductive to make them compulsory. It may be true, but; first, when the student is learning classical languages, they are not only learn the language, but also the history from classical language. Studying classical languages can broadening the student’s knowledge. Second, classical languages also help students to learn about the culture from Latin and Ancient Greek. The Roman Empire was a widespread civilization of diverse peoples and cultures. Since culture study is a major component of Latin courses, modern students learn useful and relevant lessons about multiculturalism and ethnic diversity from comparing and contrasting ancient and current cultural history. Students are exposed to aspects of ancient culture, such as Roman art, architecture, archaeology, athletic games, family life, modes of travel and myths and legends of Greece and Rome. They gain a broad humanistic perspective while studying the language. Third, Latin literature is one of the world’s great achievements and it continues to influence many literary genres and our ways of viewing life. The Romans excelled at classical drama, history, biography, rhetoric, poetry and philosophy.

These benefits should be extended to all, not just the privileged few who can currently learn Latin and Greek. If the benefits of classical study are as great as those the proposition points above claim, therefore, Latin and Greek should be compulsory in all schools. To make it real, the government should make new policy that include classical language to the school’s curriculum. Along with providing the teacher that will teach this subject. I would suggest that we should make parents or even the citizen figuring out the benefit from learning this subject by giving them the knowledge from classical languages.