The Present Situation

Abstract

THE genesis of this address is to be found in the many addresses that for more years than some of us care to admit have been delivered before assembled teachers of languages. The discussion of specific classroom problems and the presentation of the results of learned investigation are not here included. The addresses referred to are, then, those dealing with the more general aspects of the teaching and study of foreign languages. The makers of these addresses fall easily into two groups, the first composed of such persons as deans, presidents, superintendents, and teachers of subjects not linguistic; the second is made up of ourselves. Of the first group not much need be said, for, from the very nature of the case, their remarks are often perfunctory, being confined to words of greeting and polite expressions of interest and goodwill. On occasions like the present we do not expect to hear adverse criticism from such as they. Indeed, at times they are over-generous. Of the second group, ourselves, more is to be said. One impression that is left by the addresses of the second group is that there are many, too many, Jeremiahs among us. If this is not literally true, at least too many elect to assume this role when they arise to address their fellow teachers. The significance of the citation at the head of this paper is now evident and should be borne in mind as the theme develops. Full many an address