While most might think of learning a supposedly “dead” language as a waste of time, there are a few people who feel otherwise. I’m one amongst them and I’m here to tell you how Latin is more alive than ever and why it might be one of the most useful languages you can learn.
1. Master Latin, Win in English Grammar
Mastering English grammar is one of the most difficult aspects of learning the English language. Even native speakers fail miserably when it comes to comprehending grammar and the rules associated with it. This is where Latin can be used as a tool in aiding the learning of English grammar. Latin has a logical, disciplined, structured and systematic grammar ever known to man, across all the languages. Learning Latin will equip the user with the analytical skills needed to learn English grammar.
2. Back to The Renaissance
In 5th century BC, Latin was one of the languages spoken in central Italy. It was the language of the area known as Latium (modern Lazio) of which Rome was a part of. Learning Latin opens the window to literature and art from an era gone by. From ancient folklore to learning manuals of well-known scientists and physicians, Latin can be your key to exploring the life during Renaissance and beyond.
3. Science
Words used in modern sciences originate from Latin. This was mainly because the elite group of educated men and women during the Renaissance knew Latin and Greek. Hence all their observations and discoveries were recorded in one or both of these languages. Modern scientific vocabulary uses these terms even now and it serves as the root of most scientific terms. This is even more popular in biology where the naming of all plant and animal species are carried out using Latin alphabets. So the next time you see a bird or a flower at the local park, impress those around you by identifying it using the scientific name in Latin.
4. Harry Potter or Silence of The Lambs
Film writers and authors have constantly relied on Latin to produce words or phrases that offer an exotic touch to the dialogues spoken by characters. Take the example of the Harry Potter saga. J.K. Rowling used her knowledge of Latin to rework the language for naming the spells used in the book. Should you not believe me, take this as an example. One of the most common spells used in the saga is ‘Lumos’ which ignites the tip of the wand the wizards carry. ‘Lumos’ comes from the Latin word ‘lumen’ which means light. Various Hollywood films, especially of the horror genre have used Latin as the preferred language of communication between spirits or demon entities. Learning Latin will make Halloween a lot more interesting.
5. Sound Smart
Appropriate and sensible usage of foreign terms or phrases in your conversations is an ideal way to impress someone. You might have noticed eminent speakers using terms such as ‘Vox populi’ (voice of the people) or ‘bona fide’ (good faith), which portrays the person as clever and educated. What you might not know is that these phrases are Latin phrases that English speakers have borrowed to make their speeches and conversations more colorful. The next time you want to impress your boss at a team meeting, Latin might just be the language you need to know.
6. Learn One, Conquer All
Should you choose to study languages such as Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese or Romanian, the knowledge of Latin will be a bonus. This is because it has a significant presence in these languages. Vulgar Latin (vulgar is the Latin word for common, so common Latin) evolved into these languages between the sixth and ninth centuries. This is why we say Latin is not dead, but it has evolved. So should you decide to conquer one or all of the five major Romance languages, it would be ideal to arm yourself with the knowledge of Latin.
Andrie Steliou
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