I was taught that the English had been a bit vicious with the Celts. I was also taught that the Celts had the habit of nipping over the border once a month or so and stealing anything that wasn't nailed down. Nobodys' perfect, I suppose.

As to curricula, I was only teasing! I long ago gave up any hope of hearing anyone but myself and Stephen Fry make proper use of Latin plurals! It's arguable that informality doesn't excuse incorrectness, I suppose. Also arguable that American English is ipso facto incorrect at any and all points. But then I come from one of the only places in the UK where the correct second person singular is still in common usage! :)