New-York tribune., 1869-03-19
MAROEL ON THE STUDY OF LANGUAGES.


II an apparent air OF prctensiou may be detected IN
the title Of this volume 1t will be found perusa
put forth 10 claims that are not amply sustained by
the value Of its contents The method which il pro-
pounds is based on natural principles aud supplies
the defects which are experienced IN the prevailing
systems of teaching the languages Of modern Europe,
to which the views of the author especially ap
plicable. His work is not intended rs manual of
instruction; il has been written for the benefit OF
learners rather than Of teachers it may be used TO
equal advantage, in connection with any OF the
popular textbooks of which we have so liberal q
profusion; although, with the exception of pro-
uouncng a foreign language, it enables the student
OF ordinary intelligence and habits Of mental acqui
siton to dispense with the aid OF a master.
In learning foreign tongue, according to NJ.
Marcel the natural method proceeds in the follow
ing order: l. Reading. 2. Hearing. 3. Speaking 4.
Writing The common modes OF instruction make
little OF no discrimination between these different
processes and often urges them upon the student in
the inverse order OF nature, Thus, tho first step
with many teachers is to form the habit OF speaking,
before the foreign words have become familiar by
course Of reading and before tho ear has received
any exercise or cultivation whatever But insists
NJ MarceI,-and hero is a salient feature of his
methOd,-the ear must be trained TO the instant re-
cogDton Of foreign sounds before the art OF speaking
can be placed on q firm and permanent basis. A
series Of special exercises for tho cultivation Of the
ear is an essential preliminary to correct and fluent
speaking. The want Of this has proved q source Of
no little inconvenience and annoyance TO American
travellers abroad. There are few who have made tho
experiment Of trying to understand the current
versation in a foreign capital. however we'll ac-
quainted they may have been with the language of
books, who will not find an ample confirmation of NJ.
Marcels principles in their own experience. Acurous
illustration Of this is related by gentleman who
companied the late Rufus Choate visit to Europe
That eminent awyeriasi Is well known, was no less
distinguished for his acquaintance with the modern
languages and literatures than for his power
jury. On arriving at Geneva, the two friends formed
plan for an excursion TO Mont Blanc The morn
ing appointed for the expedition, Mr.. Choate was not
ready on the spot. His companion on searching hm
ont suggested that il was time to start for Mont
Blame Mont Blanc! Mont Bancp vociferated
Mr.. Choate, Mont Blanc be hanged. am for Mont
Bunker Hill will stay no longer in this internal
land Here am J. who have been studying French for
life time, and know it as well as the whole French
! Academy and cannot even understand the servant
Who replies to my question whether he has blacked
! my boots" And in profound disgust, the brilliant
rhotorcian made the best Of his way to Paris
resolved TO return without delay to his miraculous
use of the vernacular in Massachusetts, TO SINH
| lar effect are the remarks in tho Introductory
Note by the American editor Of the volume,
| The. great want Of an American in travelling
| language Of the country which he may VISIT as
TO understsna ana h y When spoken BY the natives He
will stand hm In good stead for purposes OF business
social Intercourse but his first attempt at practical con
veTsatiOn Will undeceiye him. lie may manage TO eI
press himself In decent French or Gernan but tho re-
sDQnses VI LIS in'eH0eusor VII 30 as unnleUgDle Us