‘At all costs his enthusiasm must not be checked and crushed by exceptions and irregularities. His interest must be kept and his ability encouraged.’
The above extract is taken from a 1933 book that belonged to my grandfather entitled First French Course for Seniors by Harold F. Kynaston-Snell.
I picked it up a few nights ago. I had nothing else to read and was intrigued by this blue faded hardback that I had been carrying around with me for years. A tribute to my long dead grandfather, who despite studying French for almost his whole life, could hardly speak a word.
I’ve taught and learned languages myself, so I’m very familiar with the books. And most of them start like this:
‘This English-For-U course book with its motivational and interactive approach will push students to new levels of excellence and brilliance ensuring top marks every time…’
Whereas Kynaston-Snell seems to be saying:
‘Look here old sport! You’re not going to learn this language in a week, or even a month. Take it from me. What I can do is give you this book. It contains everything you need to know. Read it once and then burn it. Good-O.’
While the English-For-U students lumber their way through twenty volumes of glossy text books filled with airbrushed pictures of celebrities asking questions like, Brad Pitt lives here. But where did he used to live?
Answer: Who cares.
I see Kynaston-Snell’s approach more along the lines of being taught how to swim.
‘You won’t be able to swim the channel just yet old sport. But neither will you drown. And at least you’ll be able to order a glass of champagne, buy a packet of cigarettes and talk about the weather.’
Which in 1933 was probably all you needed to know.
Kynaston-Snell produced a great little book with plenty of stylish black and white 1930s illustrations making the book feel more like an art galley prospectus than a language book. No film stars, no pictures of exotic islands and no photos of people sitting in dull meetings in grey offices pretending to look interested.
I struck a deal with myself this morning. This was it:
Whenever I feel weak. Whenever I feel like giving up. In any part of my life, not just learning French. This is what I will say:
‘My enthusiasm must not be checked and crushed by exceptions and irregularities.’
Thank you Harold Kynaston-Snell. You may have saved my life.
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