F is for Foreign Language
In this subject there seems to be a sharp divide between those who have a definite and focused emphasis: ancient languages and at least a couple of modern, beginning as early as possible; and those who wonder about state minimums for graduation. Within this range fall a great many who value and intend, but often feel at a loss about how to do it well. Wherever you fall, context is always helpful and, in this endeavor, perhaps more than others, practical help is appreciated. For practicals, see the links with this article, for a bit of context, read on.
The encouragement to study a foreign language is not unique to Charlotte Mason. Here, as in other places, she joins a historic majority that sees this as a valuable pursuit. However, in viewing this study through the lens of her philosophy I wonder if her purposes were a bit more forward-thinking than others.
In early times the ancient languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew) were the foundation of education because these were the languages in which the great thoughts had been recorded. These languages were begun as early as possible so that the ideas they housed could be opened, discussed, and added to. Today these great works have all been translated. Access to them is open to all and while I have heard that there is a sublimity to reading the ancient thoughts and poems in their original languages – the language barrier to the ideas has been removed.
Ms. Mason stood at a pivot point for many things and the purpose of the study of languages was one of them. Before her – there was a barrier to ideas without them. During her life and afterward – technologies began the process of “flattening the earth” as Thomas Friedman would say. Yet in her schedules, she maintained emphasis, why?
A short answer for the ancient languages is that they form a stepping-stone to many of our modern ones. A study of Latin, for example, puts several modern languages within arms’ reach. But some will beg the question – Why learn a modern foreign language, and why stretch for more than one? As thought within Ms. Mason’s philosophy always comes full circle, we find ourselves back at the power of Ideas.
On a fundamental level, language is about the communication of ideas. Why learn a modern foreign language? In order to participate in and share ideas with a broader range of people. Today there are ways to prop up and clabber through our deficits when speaking with people of other tongues – but for fluency, context, and depth - their language, for them; our language, for us - feels like love – because someone took the time.
I often tell students in my writing classes: “Your ideas and beliefs won’t matter beyond their impact on you if you can’t communicate them. This is the purpose of writing. The communication of Ideas.” While this will continue to be true, today the world is broad, broader than it has ever been, but amid all of the advances ideas are still the shaping force of societies. Who will cultivate them, mold them, offer them, wield them? The people who can communicate them. In the past it was the people who could speak and write well, today the study of languages adds another level, not as an academic pursuit, but in sympathy with ancient reasons, in the pursuit of ideas.
Not only does the study of languages allow us to communicate our ideas to others but it can actually allow us to think about things in deeper and new ways. We think in words, and our thinking is limited to the words we have. The thought of a people group is limited by the words at their disposal and the shape of societies has been linked to the words they were limited to creating with. A layered understanding of languages allows us to think about ideas in nuanced ways. Diedrich Bonhoeffer said that he always felt he thought better in Germany (thinking in German) than he did in America (thinking in English).
This is the broader view.
In the natural development of early childhood – we first acquire language in an effort to express and communicate. As we develop, we use those acquired skills to form our thought and character. The study of various languages in the school years can be a continuation of this process. We first learn a tongue foreign to our own in order to communicate and build relationships, but as ability matures that added layer of thought rewards our efforts in gifting us with the ability to ponder ideas in new and multifaceted ways.
Ok, ok, – So now you are inspired by the idea -but it still feels out of reach. Maybe it even feels like something to berate yourself about! You don’t know a second language. What language should you choose? You don’t have access to a native speaker, something Ms. Mason seems to assume as a given! Despair not. In this “flattening of the world” via technology, this subject is more approachable than it has ever been. As in other areas we need not be the fount of all knowledge, our job as teacher is to provide the vitalizing idea and help them form the habits to work upon it. This is within your reach.
And here is your permission to pursue just one, or skip the ancients, or wait until Jr. High, or whatever works for you! Our job isn’t a task to be completed, but a life to be sown and this will continue long after graduation. Keep in mind that the diligent study of a language doesn’t equal fluency (I have had to encourage my kids here). Fluency is often the effect of time in the country or lifetime pursuit – but the diligent study of the structure, the comparisons with the native tongue, and the humility and broadness gained are of immeasurable worth. If my senior still says she can’t speak Spanish (!)– I know that there is a whole lot of root and curling shoot just below the surface of her soil, we have done a lot of the grunt work of habit and idea and she will reap the reward, even if I don’t feel it credited to my 1st – 12th ledger.
(She can speak Spanish! But *says* she can’t!)
Sara Timothy 2023
For Further Reading in the Volumes:
Foreign Language - Topical CM Series (amblesideonline.org)
For Further Learning:
Foreign Language - AmblesideOnline - Charlotte Mason Curriculum
When and How to Begin Modern Languages - AO Parents' Review Archives
Why Learn Greek and Latin? - AO Parents' Review Archives
Plea for Teaching Greek - AO Parents' Review Archives
Episode 51: Foreign Language | A Delectable Education Podcast
Joyous Lessons: Learning Languages the Charlotte Mason Way - Volume 1 and Francois Gouin (Part 1)
Teaching Foreign Language: Subject by Subject, Part 8 - Simply Charlotte Mason
The Teaching of Latin (charlottemasonpoetry.org)
Resources:
CM Everyday French (livingfrenchlessons.com)
Salsa | Georgia Public Broadcasting (gpb.org)
Memoria Press Greek Curriculum
Editor’s Corner Picks (These are extra items we use in our own homes):
Biblical Greek | Basics of Biblical Greek | Dr. Bill Mounce
A First Spanish Reader (gutenberg.org)
First Spanish Reader: A Beginner's Dual-Language Book
De Colores and Other Latin American Folk Songs for Kids