A French cultural organization based in Autun, a city in central France, published a national manifesto this weekend calling for the inclusion of ancient Greek and Latin languages on UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list.
The Human-Hist association focused on the importance of languages. “It seemed essential to us to preserve the teaching of Latin and Greek, which are the roots of the French language and European history,” declared Vincent Merkenbreack, president of Human history.
This suggestion was made during the opening of the second International Meeting of Ancient Languages which took place last weekend, in the presence of the French Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer.
During this cultural “symposium” as it is called, 80 French and foreign researchers and academics participate in conferences and round tables often organized in Latin or ancient Greek.
“It is also an opportunity to show the public the extent and vitality of ancient languages,” added Mr. Merkenbreack, immediately winning the minister’s support.
“The Greek and Latin languages are neither elitist nor obsolete, and for this reason, they must be promoted,” recognized Mr. Blanquer, stressing that this is “an essential and emblematic moment” for the defense of ancient languages, which are “the living sap of our language”.
“Greek and Latin language teachers,” he said, “are transmitters of values.”
LEARN MORE: Michael Scott believes that by studying the ancient Greeks we learn more about ourselves.
Mr. Blanquer then expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter while emphasizing that the two languages are still dynamic, with more than 45,000 new students in France learning both Greek and Latin.
“Long live the Greeks!” Long live Latin!
At the meeting of ancient languages in Autun to highlight the dynamism of the culture and teaching of Greek and Latin (45,000 students in more than two years).
Here, students performing a Latin play and a 2-day international conference.
Sharing the same enthusiasm, famous Greek-French television personality and socialite Nikos Aliagas wrote on Twitter:
“A manifesto to include ancient languages in the @unesco world heritage https://www.20minutes.fr/societe/2485803-20190331-unesco-manifeste-inscription-langues-Anciens-patrimoine-mondial … via @20minutes # Humanist@jmblanquer”
