The Vestibule of Comenius

Indeed, all words are used literally original: "propriè." In 17th-century linguistics, this meant using a word in its primary, physical sense rather than metaphorically., and nothing is used figuratively. The word order here is for the most part natural (so that the Noun precedes, and the Adjective or Verb follows); however, in some places, for the sake of the German language (so that word might correspond to word in parallel), a slight transposition has been made. For example: Learn the Latin Language original Latin: "Discite Latinam Lingvam." instead of the Language Latin original Latin: "Lingvam Latinam.". Since nouns Substantives: Nouns that stand on their own. by their nature precede, I thought something should be granted to the custom of the Germans, which is changed only with difficulty. But also this: I have avoided Latin ellipses An "ellipsis" is the omission of a word that is understood from context., lest they be a stumbling block to the boys. For example: "in the spring" original German and Latin: "im Frühling / in vere." I have written out fully, although the Latin preposition is more pleasantly hidden Latin often omits the preposition "in" when talking about time, but Comenius includes it to help the students.. Likewise, In order that it may not fall original Latin: "Ut ne ruat." instead of Lest it fall original Latin: "ne ruat.". For I thought that in every way one must serve the weakness [of the student], and one must babble along with those who babble original: "cum balbutientibus eo usq; balbutiendum." This is a famous Comenian principle: teachers must meet children at their own level of development, even if it means using "baby talk" or simplified structures.. Nor was any other way fitting. For whatever begins is unformed, in every matter; why should we wish it otherwise here?

I. From this, the first beginners of Latin Latinitatis tirones: "Recruits" or novices in the study of the Latin language. can be taught to read promptly and pronounce correctly, by having the entire little book read aloud, of course, once or twice in certain measured portions.

II. And so that the meanings of the words may gradually become known, let them always put the native-language reading first original: "vernaculam lectionem." Comenius was a pioneer in using the student's mother tongue to teach a second language.. For example: Come here, children original German: "Kompt her Kinder," Latin: "Venite pueri," and Polish: "podźcie dzieci." etc. For in this way, twice as...