TEACHING LANGUAGES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2747, 15 April 1916, Page 6

TEACHING LANGUAGES

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Some teachers in isecondary schools have called my attention to the remarks made by Mr. Eogben in a lecture to teachers last. Friday, when he criticised, the results;of teaching languages, I am. asked, as secretary of the French Club, and as one of its' examiners, to state _the; results of tho examinations held annually by our club. 1 am happy to furnish information on the matter under discussion. Our examinations have shown tljpt a number of young persons who have been under tuition for not. more than .three years, and in some -cases for less than two years, have acquired considerable proficiency in French conversation, and in the power to express themselves in written composition. These examinations have been held for the last four years ; and the number iif young persons steadily increases year by year. Last October about 30 candidates from tho Girls' High School attended, and they proved to have made considerable progress in practical Fiench. Our club considers Mr. Hogben's_ remarks to have been directed against tho system, and not against the work of the teachers. -We are nevertheless pleased to bear witness to these good results. —I am, etc., CTIAS. J. COOKE, 'Hon. Secretary Cerclo Litt-eraire Francais. April 14, 1916.