asked the Minister for Education the number of candidates for the leaving and intermediate examinations in (a) 1967 who took and (b) 1968 who will take (i) Latin, (ii) French, (iii) German, (iv) Spanish, or (v) Italian; if having regard to the greater usefulness of a modern language in business, commerce and the professions, he will take positive steps to encourage the study of modern languages in preference to classical languages; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Study of Modern Languages.
32.
The reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement which, with your approval, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
In regard to the second part of the question, positive steps to encourage the teaching of modern continental languages have been taken by my Department over the past number of years by way of special courses for teachers, special grants for teaching aids and research into the most up-to-date methods of modern language teaching. This has all been reflected in the very large growth in the numbers taking these languages. It is not open to me to issue directives to pupils or teachers as to the languages to which they should give preference.
Following is the statement:—
Certificate Examinations 1967 and 1968.
The number of candidates in the subjects mentioned below for the years in question are as follows:—
Intermediate Certificate
|
Year |
Latin |
French |
German |
Spanish |
Italian |
|
1967 |
12,301 |
12,284 |
466 |
794 |
112 |
|
1968 |
13,408 |
14,343 |
536 |
1,247 |
214 |
Leaving Certificate
|
Year |
Latin |
French |
German |
Spanish |
Italian |
|
1967 |
7,702 |
6,004 |
306 |
778 |
130 |
|
1968 |
8,761 |
6,564 |
349 |
1,147 |
277 |
NOTE: The figures for 1967 indicate the numbers who actually sat the examinations in that year. Those for 1968 represent the numbers who have applied to sit the examinations.
Would the Minister say whether there is, corresponding to the growth in the study of modern languages, a decline in the study of the classics?
That is holding its own, but there is a very definite increase in the study of foreign languages. There is no incompatibility between the two.
Would the Minister not consider it desirable, having regard to the limited number of hours available for study, that less time should be spent studying dead languages?
Not at all.
That less time should be spent studying dead languages having regard to the fact that with modern progress in education this is, indeed, what is happening; and having regard also to the fact that Latin is now very little used in church services. Up to now the argument for the learning of Latin in many schools was that it facilitated recruitment to the Church; that argument no longer applies.
Would the Minister also have regard to the fact that there are individual Deputies who still believe that Latin and Greek form a very precious element in a liberal education? My colleague, Deputy Ryan, will excuse me.
It does, but not for the vast majority.
Balance is very important in a matter of this kind, and we are maintaining our numbers in regard to Latin. Take French as one of the continental languages. There is a rapid upsurge in French, and rightly so. In 1967, 12,200 pupils took French for the intermediate certificate; in 1968, the figure was 14,300. Therefore what the Deputy asks is being done. At present we are preserving the position of Latin.
What about the number doing Latin compared with French?
It has not gone up.
It is a shocking waste of time.