Grammaire et réflexion pédagogique (1750-1789)

Robert Granderoute : Grammar and educational theory (1750-1789). In the second half of the 18 th Century, reflection on grammar in relation to the study of Latin led to solutions which followed, with slight alterations, Dumarsais's preference for usage. We find two positions, at opposite extremes. On the one hand there were those who, while considering grammar as a means of perfecting but not learning languages (for it implies the use of reason, which the child does not possess) , nevertheless judged indispensable the prior acquisition of a minimum knowledge of grammar ; some preferred French rather than Latin grammar. On the other hand, some thought that the principles of general grammar should first be learnt (as the child possesses the faculty of reasoning) ; applied to French, this preserves a previous practice of the language. But, beyond these divergencies, we can see that grammar had regained general favour.Granderoute Robert. Grammaire et réflexion pédagogique (1750-1789). In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°19, 1987. La franc-maçonnerie. pp. 299-312