We have had a fit of--let us call it--shyness, but we are trying to do better.

We recognize that these fits of shyness are not altogether to our credit, not wholly reasonable, and that we are not incapable of learning foreign languages well.

We know the story of the little boy reprimanded by the magistrate for his folly in running away from home because he was obliged to learn French, and his haughty reply that if foreigners wished to speak to him they might learn his language.

But our children have outgrown him, as to his declaration if not as to his want of diligence, and we are in general reforming our methods of teaching so much that it will soon be inexcusable not to speak one or two languages well, besides our own.
The question of pronunciation and accent has been haunted by curious prejudices.

An English accent in a foreign tongue has been for some speakers a refuge for their shyness, and for others a stronghold of their patriotism.