The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-16
The Cultivation OF the French Lang,

The Cultivation OF the French Language |
1t is proverblal in Europe, that Americans know |
more ancient and fewer modern languages than |
any other people Latin and Greek are univer- |
sally taught in our schools, academies and higher
Institutions of Learning, and almost to the total
ne glect ofthe living tongues. The time has come,
however, when the modern tongues have become
indispe nsable, in consequence of our intercourse
with Europe becoming so intimate-such vast
numbers Of our countrymen are going abroad-so
many foreigners of education and taste are found
in our polite circles at home-the permanent esab-
lsbment among us of the Italian opera-the rapid
growth of our commercial .ocial, and literary ia.
ercourse with the nations of the old world, where,
Tor ell ordinary purposes of business or society,
the Hncient languages have ceased TO be necessary
or useful.
or all the m"dern languages, however, French
is the most generally known and cultivated; and,
as it is the language of diplomacy, polite society,
and commerce. among ell civilized nations,
knowledge Of il, 10 almost every class OF educated
Americas has become indspe nsable. Hitherto,
for the most part, the Diplomatic appointments in
the GIFT of our government have been bestowed
upon politicians as reward for their services in
the cause Of party, and very little regard has ge-
neIally been had to their qualifications or accom-
plishments Hence, in almost every instance
which has come 70 our knowledge, our represen-
tatiVes abroad were almost entirely ignorant
of the Frerch language, or, at all events, I'M
able to speak il respectfully. Now, what, can
a diplomatist do, without being able 10 ap-
pear in society and how can he appear in
society without he is able TO talk We have
known multitudes of cases where gentlemen were
extremely anxious to receive diplomatic appoint
ments, and who, but for The disgrace, or the peeu
MARY loss, would have Immediately thrown them
up alter reaching their posts, so extreme was their
modification, the very moment iney found them
selves unable 10 appear in society," or converse with
those with whom they were compelled 10 aasoci.
ate.
There are several classes of American citizens
who have hitherto found knowledge of French
not only OF great service, but who will hereafter
find il indispensable to success. French has for
| several centuries been the court language of the
world ard here is no imme date prospect Of any
other being edopted in its place IL is, moreover,
| the language OF society and wherever in other
countries gentlemen meet, IL is supposed Of course
that they ell understand French, and consequently
| that is the language in which they always address
| one smother. Besides, there is scarcely depart
ment of commerce along The whole Of our Atlantic
coast, where houses Of responsibility have not al
ready established relations with commercial men
| in Europe. The multiplication Of steam packe Is
between the Old and the New World is increasing
| these con mercisl relations every year, and the
time has already when the large houses Ind II
indispensable that the clerk who manages their
| respondence should be thoroughly vers-d in French
other things being equal, the clerk who now
understands that language, receives higher salary
| than others; and when ne adds 10 h,s accomplish
| ments a knowledge Of German, Spanish, and
Italian, his pay increases in the ratio Of his acquire
menis because, in the same ratio is the value Of
his services augmented.
II was once considered herculean labor to &C.
quire knowledge Of foreign tongues and it is no
easy matter for adults To timber up their hard and
stiff vocal muscles into the lambert flow which
graces the speech Of polished scholar, who has
spoken several languages from childhood !; but the
cultivation Of these tongues, particularly French
German, and Italian, now receives more attention
| in New ork than at any former period and we
believe that among those who have had experience
| n these matters, every other system is thrown
aside foT the conversation system. The professors
| Of French now in New York, sPend most of the
time Of the lesson in converting with their pupils,
ince the principal difficulty with all foreign Ian.
guages IS in their pronunciation. Their is a large
number Of very accomplished professors now
gagged in New York, in teaching the modern
tongues; and we elac TO learn that Professor
Chsnui, The distinguished writer and scholar has
&C nsented organize classes for the coming SEA
son. Professor Chsnut for many years titled the
Chair Of History in the College Of Henry w., OF
France, where he was brought into constant and
familiar intercourse with Guizot, Michect, Quinet
Beranger Lamsrtine, and others Of the iliustrious
hterati Of the French capital. He subsegue nty
was professor Of French Literature, and French
History in Jefferson College, Louisiana; but he has
menent residence. We understand that classes
are forming for his instruction. bat tina, none are
| admitted except those who have already some
knowledge Of the language, since his object IL
| limited 10 the pertciing OF such in the speaking
| and writing ~ French. From the advertisement
in another column, our readers will receive add.