Learning Languages among Aristocrats in Hungary (1867-1918)

In the present study, by means of private letters, memoirs, as well school registry forms, we focus on aristocratic children’s language education: what languages did they with whom study them, methods and for purpose – whether at home or in school. After 1867, aristocracy retained its multilingual facility. The daughters family typically continued studying home, guided foreign governesses Hungarian tutors. Besides Hungarian, usually acquired three (French, German, English) to a proficient level, help method that placed emphasis speaking. boys’ studies progressed similar way, difference being were more likely public schools abroad Hungary. Within high society, two most sought-after institutions Theresianum Vienna Jesuit secondary grammar Kalksburg. these, students had chance choose from among several classical modern study; moreover, however surprising it might seem first glance, also great nurturing language. Thus, time reached adulthood, sons nobility became polished speakers readers languages, which, besides cultivating their international relations, helped them keeping abreast world events, literature sciences, not mention case boys constituting an advantage career fields.