Primary Education in the Vernacular

Primary education in the vernacular languages took place in classes for younger, nonuniversity students. There were several different types of environments for learning the basic skills of literacy—being able to read simple texts, write school exercises, and count— and not all were formal classrooms. Many children were taught at home by hired tutors or family members. By the early 16th century, printed grammars and primers for learning how to read were being used throughout much of western Europe, and these could easily be used in the home. The printed book allowed both learning and reading to become private, self-directed endeavors, especially for those destined to become merchants or otherwise involved in the everyday world of commerce. In Germany, England, France, and Spain many more books were published in the vernacular languages than in Latin, providing an abundance of reading material for those unable or unwilling to read Latin. These books included Protestant religious handbooks appropriate for young men and women. Aldus Manutius (c. 1450-1515), Venetian printer and publisher, was the first to produce “pocket books” in a format small enough to be easily portable. His books pertained almost exclusively to the classics, but publishers of vernacular language books, including primers and grammars, soon followed his example. only those students destined for the university or an Education

Ecclesiastical career needed the formal guidance of an instructor, and these individuals attended Latin grammar schools rather than learning the basics of reading and writing in vernacular schools, at home, or, as did some apprentices, on the job.