My mother often spoke of a parent/teacher conference when I was a lad. This question came up. Should young John study latin or any other language?
Sister Mary Bridget Doeland ( Little Sisters of Perpetual Misery) is quoted as saying," The boy can hardly grasp his mother tongue. Let us not confuse him."
When I think of this I remember O'Carolan's 'Ode to the Landlady'
"I prey thee tombstone, let not Bridget back whence she came.
For she will turn your liquor sour and put your house to shame.
Manys the faultless poet, through her by drought been cursed.
Now she's buried, Devil plague Her!
With Thirst, Thirst, Thirst!"