"I would make them all learn English: and then I would let the clever ones learn Latin as an honor, and Greek as a treat."
-- Winston Churchill
2006-09-21 10:45:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
He was specifically referring English schoolboys and the complete quote is: "I have always been in favor of boys learning English, I'd let the cleverer ones learn Latin as an honor and Greek as a treat, but the only thing I'd whip them for is not knowing English, I'd whip them hard for that." Since I disapprove of beating children, no I can't agree. I do agree people should learn their native language, though, just reading the questions and answers here makes it clear that isn't happening in the U.S. Just for the record, Churchill himself spoke neither Latin nor Greek. He never even attended a University, he couldn't get in.
2006-09-21 12:57:49 · answer #1 · answered by rich k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
um.. it's totally dependent on the context of the statement. I obviously speak English, and I think it's certainly an important language in the global workplace... but nowadays, or at least in the coming years, Chinese or Japanese would be a great asset. As would Spanish.
I learned Latin when I was in school. The function of it was that it gave me the ability to understand the root of western language, and also it's helpful when studying classics, or reading parts of old-world literature, like The Bible.
Greek-- haven't tackled that one yet, and actually have no desire. I'd much rather learn Chinese and Italian and then, if there's time, Spanish.. but not Greek. All the Greek words I know I heard on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. :)
2006-09-21 17:57:12 · answer #2 · answered by retro 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do to a degree- there was a time when americans took pride in their country- they were glad to be here and glad to learn their language and their history. Now, we should, but how can we expect immigrants to learn and do what we are not willing to learn and do?? It is not the immigrants bringing the country down, it is the apathy of the average American citizen that has opened the doors and allowed others to come in and little by little tear down what once made America great!
2006-09-21 18:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds just like Churchill. He's advocating learning three languages!
2006-09-21 17:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by edward_lmb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he was promoting intelligence, Latin would be a good thing for learning history.
2006-09-21 17:48:48 · answer #5 · answered by Sean 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is very important to learn the language of an adopted country.. if one wants to be assimilated into society.
2006-09-21 17:50:15 · answer #6 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I can not say I do at all I could not learn lattin at scool and would not wont to learn greek
2006-09-21 17:50:04 · answer #7 · answered by Mim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree
2006-09-21 18:09:51 · answer #8 · answered by davebrit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Um, who is he talking about?
Kids that went to British schools? Aliens? His in-laws?
2006-09-21 17:50:47 · answer #9 · answered by daisyk 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No I don't agree with that.......he was fine for the time he lived......now he's obsolete.
2006-09-21 17:50:51 · answer #10 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋