Latin is a valuable aid to the curriculum of primary schools

COLIN Matheson’s invective against the learning of Latin in Glasgow primary schools does a disservice to all those involved, not least the children who have engaged enthusiastically with this “dead language” (Letters, May 27).

I am sorry if he was one of those “subjected to Latin” and about the unhelpful consequences he goes on to enumerate (it certainly sounds that way), but he clearly lacks an understanding of what this project sets out to achieve.

Not only are there measurable gains in learners’ command of English, but there is also the exposure to a wealth of mythology, history and culture that comes with it.

Far from being an exercise in arid syntax, these projects (there is also separate project running in St Saviour’s Primary in Govan) have forged robust connections across the curriculum.

If Colin Matheson were to visit one of these schools and witness the learning at first hand, I hope he would be less disappointed in The Herald’s endorsement. Hearing P7 children discuss Ovid’s Metamorphoses, translate stories of life in Pompeii or singing in Latin would scarcely leave any unbiased observer with the impression “this is a dead thing”. Dr John Bollan, School of Education, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow. I DID not find Latin easy. Dad sat with me on Saturday afternoons when his work was finished and checked my tenses and agreements. Invariably I would get them wrong and the following week it was the same thing. Certainly French was easier and freer.

My Latin teacher felt I should make a career in personnel management and I did, and was a natural at it. I felt insulted at his lack of admiration for my Latin ability. His rendition of Caesar’s Gallic War was military, unlike Mr Christie’s Virgil and Cicero at Glasgow University. I sometimes read them yet and marvel at the fluidity.

In a later incarnation I did a Bachelor of Laws degree. The younger students had no Latin and I could assist the lecturers. Perhaps, as a businesswoman, a contract case can depend on the correct Latin translation and a fee would be involved. That’s what I call useful. (Mrs) Patricia M Milligan, 22 Mill Glen Road, Ardrossan.