I learned Latin for 2 years at school. It’s invaluable for understanding English (and some other languages). However, that understanding could be gained in other ways and perhaps dropping Latin would make way for more currently relevant languages. Latin lovers mourn language loss
Miraz Jordan @gpittman I’m 66 now so my schooling was a long time ago. I studied Latin, French, German and even some Japanese. I learned a lot of Latin vocab (because I used to fail tests and had to write out the vocab list 3 times each week) and it's sure helpful. However we have big populations of Pacific Islanders, people from Asia, and of course, indigenous Māori. Our trade these days tends to China and Asia. Making room for those languages would be a good thing. (I went on to get a degree in German and then to teach it to teenagers for 10 years. …)
Jessica Smith Hmm, it doesn't sound like many schools were offering the subject anyway (much like here – only the swankiest of swanky private schools, especially Catholic ones, offer it). Abolishing it as a subject entirely seems kind of unnecessary, although it's hard to get revved up about something that only affects students at "elite" schools. I think there will always be a place for enthusiasts to learn Latin, but so many living languages would seem objectively more worthwhile – and especially Asian ones in our part of the world (and Maori in Aotearoa), as you say.
Miraz Jordan @jayeless I’ve been pondering more. We don’t much need to learn about “Latin” culture, and the deep intricacies of grammar etc for our daily lives though those things have obvious merit for their contribution over history. However languages and cultures currently present and overlooked / ignored within our own country are of enormous significance. One could learn Latin from an online course or books or something in ones own time if it would be handy for a doctor or lawyer, say. In person instruction on language and culture of people that same doctor or lawyer may treat or work with would be enormously more important, in my view.
Jessica Smith Yes, I agree with that! I was thinking it'd be a more appropriate uni subject, for someone studying ancient history let's say. Other languages are going to be more valuable for the vast majority of people.