Prof. Francese published an op-ed
in the New York Times questioning the use of Latin in college diplomas. It
provoked some spirited responses, both in letters to
the Times, and on blogs.
This year’s graduation speaker at Dickinson, Christiane Amanpour of CNN,
contributed the following defense of Latin after reading it:
Dear
Professor Francese,
Latin
has helped me immeasurably through life. If I could, I would mandate it to be
taught in all Anglo-Saxon and Romance language schools, because while
Latin is no longer a spoken language, it is the root of so many
of the languages we do speak. Not only did I love my Latin classes at the
time, but in the 35-years since, I have found great comfort and
satisfaction in being able to know just about any word. For whenever
I grope for the meaning of one I don’t know, I usually succeed by referring
back to Latin!
So
Professor, Latin Lives even though it’s dead! Don’t knock it!
Best,
Christiane
Amanpour, CBE
Chief
International Correspondent
CNN
International
One
Time Warner Center
New
York, NY 10019