With reference to Mario Azzopardi’s Talking Point (August 20), the Malta Classics Association, which is already delivering well-attended courses in Latin, Classical Greek and Sanskrit, offers its hearty congratulations to the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family, to the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and to all others involved for including Latin in the list of languages being offered by the Directorate.

Latin is very often maligned as a language too complex to be grasped with any significant level of competence. This is a myth. Latin is easier than German and probably easier than English. Moreover, as study after study shows, the intellectual discipline it imparts is such that it sharpens the mental faculties, increases memory and enhances articulacy. Finally, the study of Latin puts at the disposal of the student the most important texts in the history of mankind. This worthy initiative reflects the international renaissance in the study of Latin and Greek that is taking place right now throughout the world. The Ministry’s laudable decision to offer Latin means that Malta now joins the ranks of the dozens of states throughout Europe, America, Asia and Africa which teach Latin and Greek at some level or other.

The Malta Classics Association is ready to offer pro bono all the support that it can to teachers and to the students of these marvellous languages. E-mail us on classicsmaltasoc@gmail.com.

Sincere thanks and congratulations to all involved in taking this timely and admirable decision.

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