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October 28, 2008
Language comparison
Speaking of Francophonie and language instruction in schools, Prof. Tom Smith has two sons in high school, one taking Spanish, the other taking Latin. You can guess my preference, but read his examples of textbook translation exercise sentences:
Spanish:1. Please tell Juan to recycle the plastic.
2. Henry's mother is going to the political rally.
3. The labor union was organized and everyone was happy.
4. By travelling to South America, Robert broadened his perspective.
5. Let's foment a violent revolution against the capitalist oppressors.Latin:
1. The centurion bravely slaughtered the barbarian.
2. The batallion invested the hill fort by digging a trench around it and flinging stones upon the Gauls with their catapaults.
3. The doughty lad caught the wild horse and tamed it.
4. Having burnt the Carthagian ship with Greek Fire, the trireme captured the survivors and enslaved them.
5. The soldier was at peace because he knew his duty.
Heh.
Posted by CrankyProfessor at October 28, 2008 4:03 PM
Comments
Latin is legit.
Posted by: JSTB at October 29, 2008 7:54 AM
Te-hee! I have a friend who *swears* that when he was simultaneously learning French and German, the French textbook started with merci, s'il vous plait, bonjour, bonsoir, madame, monsieur, and phrases like, "Your dress is beautiful" and "This is a fine Bordeaux wine," while the German book began with the freakin' imperative: Sit down! Stand there!
Ha!
Posted by: Dr. Virago at October 29, 2008 8:25 AM