A recent study conducted by Flemish researchers concludes that learning Latin does not significantly enhance other academic skills among students. The research analyzed data from 1,731 students and found that while those who studied Latin for six years performed better in Dutch spelling, text comprehension, and intelligence tests, these differences were evident even before their secondary education began.
The study suggests that the so-called 'Latin bonus'—a perceived advantage in vocabulary—exists but is minimal. The researchers attribute the performance gap primarily to selection effects, indicating that more motivated or intelligent students are more likely to choose Latin as an exam subject.
Researcher Cathy Hauspie from Ghent University emphasizes the need to recalibrate expectations regarding the cognitive benefits of Latin. She points out that claims made on Flemish educational websites about the advantages of Latin are based on outdated and flawed studies. Similar assertions appear in Dutch educational guidance, where organizations suggest that Latin fosters greater 'language awareness, sensitivity, and precision.'
Bosco Smit, a classic languages teacher and president of the Association of Classicists in the Netherlands, notes that the study primarily addresses the transfer value of Latin, questioning whether it provides advantages in other subjects. He argues that the intrinsic value of Latin lies in the intercultural awareness it promotes, as grammar and vocabulary are taught within the context of ancient stories.
Furthermore, the Flemish researchers acknowledge that while Latin may have limited effects on Dutch language skills, its impact on French or Spanish could be more pronounced due to their stronger Latin roots.