Letter: Latin has its uses

ISSUES surrounding the teaching of modern languages and Gaelic in schools are again in the spotlight (Letters, 29 January).

Perhaps because English is the recognised language for communication and business across the world, the pressure to learn any other language has been taken off us here in the UK.

Every encouragement should be given to the continued teaching of Latin, which forms the basis of so many modern languages.

Contrary to popular perception, Latin is still enthusiastically taught, and eagerly learned, in Scotland's state schools, flying in the face of any charge of "elitism".

Knowing which language to take up, that could be beneficial in later life, is a difficult choice for young learners still at school, but, by studying Latin, they could be confident of having one foot on any language ladder they might want to climb in the future.

James L Shearer

Cargilfield View

Edinburgh