Methodus

Novissima lingvarum methodus Fundamentis didacticis solide superstructa, Latinae lingvae exemplo realiter demonstrata, scholarum usibus jam tandem examussim accommodata, sed et insuper aliis studiorum generibus magno usu accommodanda. Ante tamen eruditorum judicio publico exposita seriisque ac severis censuris submissa

The newest method of languages, solidly founded on didactic fundamentals, its reality shown on the example of Latin and finally exactly suited to the needs of education; moreover however also of great use in the adaptable studies of other fields. Submitted to scholars in advance for public judgement and detailed, serious and strict critique.

Origin of the work:
  1644 – 1648 Elbląg

Editions:
1648 (Lezno), place not given.

1657 Amsterdam, Opera didactica omnia II

1882 – 1883 Rychnov, Czech translation by J. Šmaha

1911 Brno, Veškeré spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. VI

1964 Prague, Vybrané spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. III, Czech translation by H. Businská

1989 Prague, J. A. Comenii Opera omnia, vol. 15/II

Contents:

A momentous theoretical work, both philological and after the Great Didactic (the Didactica magna) the most self-contained of Comenius’ didactic works. It contains methodological considerations on the teaching of Latin from his textbooks the Vestibule, the Janua and the Atrium, practical instruction on how these should be used, and important insights into the teaching of foreign languages as a whole. Comenius entitled his work the “Newest” because it may be seen as pioneering in its broad context. It delves syncretically into the links between Latin and vernacular languages, language and national consciousness, and language and society. It joins the rational and empirical points of view, both logical and philosophical considerations, emphasises grammar in the development of language and nomenclature as the skeleton of language, guaranteeing that linguistic expression reflects the thing, and pedagogico-psychological concerns. He is concerned with the clarity, ease, speed and thoroughness of language teaching, which should contribute to the betterment of people, to understanding between nations and to peace on earth. The tenth chapter is of particular importance, as it contains the theory of correct teaching; entitled the Didaktika analytická it was later to be published separately.

For further study, see also:

Veškeré spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. VI. Brno 1911, pp185-193

J. V. Novák & J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský, jeho život a spisy. Prague 1932, pp393-407

J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský ve světle svých spisů.Prague 1941, pp393-407

Vybrané spisy J. A. Komenského, vol. III.Prague 1964, pp5-30

J. A. Comenii Opera omnia, vol. 15 II. Prague 1989, pp422-431

Jan Kumpera, J. A. Komenský, poutník na rozhraní věků. Prague & Ostrava 1992, pp265-266