The liberatory potential of Latin studies: Stellenbosch University’s Latin Project : Chapter 5

Abstract

Since July 2019, Stellenbosch University’s Ancient Studies Department has been working on what has internally been termed the ‘Latin Project’. In very general terms, this is a project to teach Latin and ancient culture (especially Graeco-Roman) studies to high-school learners from across Stellenbosch. However, the heart of the Project lies far deeper than the mere transmission of Latin translation ability, or of knowledge of ancient Rome. Rather, the Project has actively aimed to use Latin to do good in the face of the ongoing effects of colonialism and apartheid in the town of Stellenbosch. The Project has been put on hold since March 2020 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. However, this case study nonetheless shows the potential for a decolonial approach to Latin and Graeco-Roman cultures that is ultimately subversive to the field’s colonial history, and that is to some limited degree liberatory for the Project’s participants.