Why learn Latin when there are so many other useful languages to choose from today? That is probably the question you have when it seems like it is an obsolete language and that there are no benefits of Latin language study.
By all accounts, it would seem that there are not enough reasons why you should learn Latin when there are no native speakers today and the only place it is an official language is the Vatican City.
So why is learning Latin important?
For one, if you are a language student, the main reason why you should learn Latin is that it is the origin of many important European languages.
From Sicily to Belgium, to Romania and Portugal, Romance languages have evolved from Latin.
The question of why learn Latin has only arisen in the past few decades. It was not that long ago that the benefits of Latin language study were important enough for it to be a subject offered in most South African schools.
Today, its disappearance from schools is thought to be part of the overall decline in global literacy levels. Experts insist that there are more reasons why you should learn Latin than what you would think at face value.
So, if you are asking why should I learn Latin, here are 10 reasons that you may have not considered that sum up the benefits of Latin language study
1. To Immerse Classical Latin Literature
If you love languages, then that is enough of a reason for why you should learn Latin. As a beautiful and complex language, it can simply be studied and enjoyed for what it is.
For the academic writer, Latin also denotes a certain level of literacy for the everyday writings of academics. For example:
- ad hoc – intended for a particular purpose
- ad lib – the term for improvisation often used to describe the work of an artist who has not prepared anything
- alter ego – one’s other self; this can describe alternative characteristics or a persona you identify with
- bona fide – real or genuine
- caveat – a condition often included in contracts
- consensus – agreement
- de jure – by law
- ergo – therefore
- et cetera (etc) – and so on
- per capita – per person
- per se – specifically, or by itself
- verbatim – in precisely the same words
2. Improving Cognitive Skills
To reap the benefits of Latin language study, you will need to put in hard work and long hours. However, this is not wasted time when you consider how much it can improve the flexibility of your brain.
Learning languages, especially one like Latin with its numerous declensions and cases will force your brain to work hard. When you consider that it has been proven that the brains of bilingual and multilingual people are more flexible than monolingual individuals then this is one of the best reasons why you should learn Latin.
Why is learning Latin important for the English literature student? Find out here.
3. For Methodical Translating
Translating from English to Latin or vice versa (another Latin expression) is not easy, however, the investigative methods that you learn to do so will benefit you greatly in other subjects. Why learn Latin? To hone critical methodology skills for other areas of academia.
4. Extend Your History and Culture Knowledge
As the official language of the Roman Empire which dominated Europe, the Middle East and North Africa for 800 years, Latin texts offer important insights into the history of civilisation.
The benefits of Latin language study are profound for history students and anyone who wants to know more about ancient cultures like Latin civilisation.
5. Romances Languages Made Easy
Why is learning Latin important if you are studying any of the Romance languages? Today, the Romance languages of Spanish, French and Italian are spoken by more than 1 billion people worldwide. Most of these languages share an estimated 75-90% of their vocabulary and grammatical structure, which means that having Latin as a base to study these languages makes them much easier to learn.
6. Why Learn Latin to Improve English?
It might feel counter-intuitive, but if you want to master English then this is why you should learn Latin.
If you’re still wondering why should I learn Latin, consider that 60% of English vocabulary is made up of Latin-derived words.
Take a look at everyday words and you may just have a different view of the question why learn Latin!
- Alibi: means "elsewhere" in Latin. And if you were elsewhere when a crime occurred, how could you have stolen the cookies?
- Agenda: stems from the Latin verb "agere" and describes a list of discussion points for a meeting.
- Acumen: the noun that describes someone’s sharp wit and quick perception.
- Maximum and minimum: Latin words for "the biggest" and the "smallest".
- Quid pro quo: this phrase means "taking something in exchange for something else".
- Gratis: means kindness in Latin, but in English, it means at no cost or free of charge.
- Via: this Latin word means "road" but is used today to describe a route for going somewhere.
- Visa: the word in Latin is used to describe a verified document. In English, it is a permit that allows one access to a foreign country.
- Video: literally means "I see" in Latin, in English it is another word for film.
Why is learning Latin important? To improve English and overall academic performance.
7. Improve your Grades
Why should I learn Latin when it’s a dead language you may ask?
Some studies prove that learners who have studied Latin at school achieved better academic results overall. Besides the fact that learning any language makes the brain more flexible because it is constantly translating what you hear, see and say, Latin can give you the edge in academics. Amazingly, 90% of all scientific terms in English are derived from Latin
8. Apply for an Ivy League Education
If you are hoping to apply to study at a prestigious international university like Cambridge or Oxford, then that is a good reason why you should learn Latin. To stand out from the scores of other applicants, having Latin on your CV will be beneficial.
Knowing Latin will give you an advantage when applying to study Romance languages, science or medicine. In fact, when it comes to studying other languages, studying Latin will make it all much easier.
9. Consider Your Future Career
You may be wondering why is learning Latin important for a future career? Up until the 20th century studying Latin was mandatory for lawyers and doctors, however, while it is not forced today, it will certainly benefit you if you are aiming for a Bachelor of Science degree.
Here are a few careers where the benefits of Latin language study are strongly indicated.
- Computer Science: Careers like programming and engineering are good career options for Latin students. The main reason is that Latin provides an understanding of any language and computer programming is a language.
- Medicine: Medicine and indeed any career in the sciences are filled with terminologies that are rooted in Latin.
- Law: Besides the overwhelming amount of Latin terms in legalese, having Latin behind you demonstrates that you have a mind that is capable of learning and assimilating the enormous amount of detail that is required to study law.
- Education: If you are considering a career in education as a teacher, then having classic subjects like English and Latin will provide you with excellent foundations.
If you have ambitions to become an archaeologist, linguist, philologer or study ethnology, then you will have to learn Latin at some point anyway.
If you are not able to study Latin at school, you could always find a private Latin tutor on Superprof.
10. A Career or Passion for the Arts
The Roman civilisation has motivated and inspired many movie directors and scriptwriters since the early 1920s resulting in hundreds of TV shows and movies from the Roman Empire period.
A few of the famous movies set in Roman Empire times include Ben Hur which was the 1925 black and white silent movie classic. Then there was the 1959 remake that starred Charlton Heston. Don’t forget Ridley Scott’s production of Gladiator starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix released in 2000.
The benefits of learning Latin, may not be obvious but they are numerous. Many argue that Latin is far from dead and because of its beauty, complexity and impact on culture should be more appreciated. There is no doubt that the impact of Latin on Western Culture and academics is significant.
Learning Latin will enrich your life, improve your brain’s flexibility and add to your overall academic knowledge.
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