This pamphlet presents a rationale for the study of Latin during a period in which the relevance of foreign language instruction is being questioned. Observations on the value of language awareness, historical perspective, and the development of sound judgment support recommendations that the American Classical League and curriculum planners…

This speech emphasizes the significance of living literatures and living cultures which owe a direct debt to the Romans and the Greeks from whom they can trace their origins. After commenting on typical rejoinders to the question "Why study classical languages?" and poking fun at those who advance jaded, esoteric responses, the author dispels the…