Latin-useful or extinct?

Question

What are your views on Latin? I know most people are derisory about it as it's not a spoken language, but I feel so strongly that it's important as a means of tracing the roots of our language. Helpful, too for guessing unknown vocabulary we meet. I'm sure I shall be considered eccentric or loony for suggesting this, but the new book-'Amo, Amas, Amat....and all that' will go some way to support my theory...........I hope?

Answer 1

It's useful. It helps a great deal with vocabulary in European languages, including English of course. It's also a very logically structured language so studying it helps one to think logically - a skill which is transferable to many things. Finally, if you know Latin you can read wonderful literature in its original language.

Answer 2

My knowledge of Latin (after 5 years of it in school) is pretty grim - though I can tell you that for some reason "Cacilius est in hortus erat" lol I gather he was feeling a bit pi55ed and was pottering about in the garden.

Other than that, my knowledge is a bit ropey. 5 years eh.

Having said that, I do find there are interesting links in language which have Latin origins, also for folks into medical / botanical work, the background is again likely to be beneficial.

I have not heard of the book "Amo amas amat..." BUT if presented in a light hearted and humerous way (which the full titles suggests) then it could well make a positive difference in how the subject is perceived.

Most people who have encountered Latin, have done so under great duress in some stuffy classroom with a less-than-motivated tutor becoming most animated when he find students doodling in the margins.

It would help enormously if someone could prove that "Latin" and "interest" need not be mutually exclusive.

Oooh and my motto is Latin too, Sapientia per amicitium - Wisdom through friends(hip)

Answer 3

To me it is an essential tool for understanding the more complex vocabulary of English, and for understanding French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. It was only when I had to get to grips with Latin grammar that I truly began to understand what English grammar was all about. I cannot begin to fathom how any law student would cope with not understanding the many Latin expressions which are used in the law not only of England and Wales but of other European countries (although clearly many do!) Latin is a discipline and I think that learning it helps one sort out one's own thinking process and approach to dealing with complex issues. I haven't come across the book you mention, but my father started teaching me Latin when I was six from a marvellous little book called "Latin with Laughter" which was designed for parents who either hadn't studied Latin themselves or who had forgotten all they knew and which was full of amusing anecdotes. It was a good basis, as I grew up regarding it as a fun language rather than a formidable challenge!

Answer 4

Latin uded to be more universal than english today. Besides, if you know some latin, it so much easier to learn other languages - maybe not derived from latin straightly, but having some vocabulary from roman languages. For example, it is easier to learn french - and then english, as in some period a lot of french words appeared in english.
I learned latin at school, and then at the university - if you study literature, that is very important, especially as our, polish, literature was written only in latin at the beginning... My friend studies latin and antient literature of Greece and Rome... She finds that v. interesting....

Answer 5

Latin is extinct but useful...if u know Latin u can also learn Italian, Spanish, French etc...and some english words are very similar to Latin : English= pregnant. Latin=praegnans, praegnantis! they are almost the same!
I study latin and Greek...they are extinct but u can understand many languages! bye!

Answer 6

If you are going to study latin, It will show the meaning of many root words through out English, the english language is made from "Greek - Latin" Mixtures, therefore it would help you in indentifying words in english, especially many of the words used in the doctors office, can be broken down from their ancient history.

Answer 7

I'm not sure if this is right, but I remember hearing that some doctors need to know latin for medicine or something of that effect... Like I said not sure my memory serves me right but in which case if thats true then latin is still used, and a vital languge. I personally think its beautiful.

Answer 8

Yes, I have also found this but many people don't understand it.

Latin is also very good for precisely defining things and is often used in law and botany as well as other areas because it is a dead language and the meanings of words will not change with time or colloquial usage.

Answer 9

even though it incredibly is seen a ineffective language, I nevertheless think of it incredibly is smart. in case you knew Latin, you will have a very common time discovering languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, etc. you will probable even have the flexibility to ascertain the which skill of many English words you do no longer comprehend. even nevertheless English is a Germanic language, there are nevertheless many words that are derived from Latin.

Answer 10

I'm posting also to make a correction.
Julius Caesar prior crossing the river Rubicone said
Alea jacta est (and not Alia as I read here above).
Another correction to whom was listing the different languages
originating from Latin :you didn't mention Romanian.
Is not to be told that I agree 100% with yr theory.
The latin question "CUI PRODEST ?" (in English "what is the use of it ?" or "who will take advantage of it ?") could be answered still in Latin with "OMNIA ET OMNIBUS" (In English "everything and everybody")