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Languages in Our Schools

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 1.

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Languages in Our Schools

THIS message is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The greater portion of this world is to-day in ignorance of the Saviour, and of the further fact that he is soon to finish his work as mediator between God and sinful man. To every creature under heaven, and in this generation, must go this knowledge. To us has been given this great work. Young men and women—those who can readily adapt themselves to the languages, customs, and environments of these strange lands and places—are required for this work. Our schools are to assist in acquiring this adaptability. For these reasons we should give especial attention to the study of languages. First in importance is the study of the mother tongue. A thorough study of it can not be too strongly emphasized. The Latin language plays an important part in the root and construction of the majority of occidental languages. It is well that it should be studied for a time, until the construction of these modern languages is better understood. It is not necessary, or indeed advisable, that time be taken to go into the study of the literature of this language, even though that might give a greater facility and understanding of the construction of the language; for it is in the literature of that language that we come upon that which is so harmful to the Christian student. What is true of the Latin language is true to a greater or lesser extent of modern languages. A limited study of them will give to the student an understanding of their construction, and will enable him the more readily to learn, and acquire the ability to use, any language. In view of the fact that our work is world-wide, and that our workers may be called to any portion of the world, it is but reasonable that our young people and our schools should pay especial attention to this branch of study, not from a theoretical or literary point of view, but from a practical one.