and writing, and to enlarge the vocabulary of students and teach them the grammar and construction of the language.
We claim the following advantages for the Gouin method as compared with other oral methods now in vogue:—
(1) We use English to convey our ideas in the first instance, thus proceeding from the known to the unknown. Some of the others proceed on an opposite principle and use only the Language to be taught. This proceeding is too like to the method of teachers in Irish-speaking districts who do not know the language of their pupils, but require the latter to know and use Irish from the first. We are able to indicate the meanings of words before we use them, giving their application afterwards. We can also give necessary explanations at any stage, and can proceed to teach abstract ideas from the first. As soon as we can walk without our crutch, we discard it.
(2) We claim that the Series method of arranging language possesses a real scientific value in teaching not possessed by any other arrangement.
(3) We claim that the verb is the important word in the sentence, and teach it first. Other systems that rely upon objects and pictures, i.e., upon nouns, cannot teach the verb first, and are at a consequent disadvantage. Our method is peculiarly suited to teach Irish, for the verb takes precedence in every Irish sentence.
(4) A teacher by the Gouin method can take a large class and teach in a hall where other lessons are proceeding. Teachers by some of the other methods cannot do so.
