Is Latin a language worth learning?

Question

Is Latin a language worth learning for the sake of just learning it? I mean with it being a dead language and all, would learning it for fun be worth it. If so, what are good, and easy websites to learn it from.

Answer 1

Absolutely worth while if you want to have a good command of English and to be able to learn the Romance Languages (all of which are a modern form of Latin) to a high standard. I started learning it for fun when I was six (taught by my father) and nowadays I couldn't be without it! It has helped me with studies of modern language and law. An invaluable tool!

http://www.cherryh.com/www/latin_language.htm

Answer 2

Yes, I believe it is. It's not quite a dead language, though. It's still spoken in the Vatican. It's also the foundation of several widely-spoken languages, such as French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Learned Latin will make learning any one of these languages easier. Many English words are derived from Latin words; just take a look at the dictionary and notice the etymology of the words there. Learning any other language, regardless of whether or not it's widely used anymore, increases the brain's productivity and helps one see things in a new light. In other words, go for it!

Answer 3

Latin is not dead; it's still widely spoken in the form of French, Italian, Spanish et cetera (that's why ppl who use these languages are regarded as modern Latin speakers).
And it's the most worthwhile thing to study, for the knowledge you gather while studying its befuddling grammar and its lenghty vocabulary will eventually prove to be most useful by the time you learn any other language, for there's no indo-european language without any recognizable Latin influence.
There's also a good deal of rather obscure words and slangs you will be able to understand without having to make any effort once you master the Latin basics.

Answer 4

I think it's a worthwhile language to learn. I studied it for a little while during high-school, and as it is the root of the English language, I found that it greatly improved my understanding of English aswell. So many English words are derived from Latin. Also, it is really quite easy and enjoyable to learn.

Answer 5

Oh my god! Toga, get a catch, man! Your using shades of meaning here, you imbecile! What are you, an elementary school drop-out?

Anyway, yes. Latin is a fantastic language to learn. I learnt it and loved it. And it has INFLUENCED (happy now?) English, which makes comprehension quite obtainable. I highly recommend it. I don't know of any websites though, sorry. However, if you do get stuck while learning it, you can do a google search for a Latin translator, which will help you with single words or to get the gist of something, but they are not as reliable as Latin-speaking people, so it's best to learn the old-fashioned way. Good luck!

Answer 6

If you live in the US id either learn how to speak French or Spanish because that is the foreign language spoken most here, not many people who speak latin on a daily basis, so it wouldn't benefit you in the long run.

Answer 7

Yes. It is the root language of so many European languages and it is good to know for medicine and law. I think it would be interesting to learn just for the sake of learning.

Answer 8

Latin is used in law and science. If you are young and in school-by all means take Latin. For fun, sure. If you learn it well it may even pay you.

Answer 9

It is not a dead language. I took it for several years-long ago-and I still find I use it--------- the roots of Latin are there in English, Spanish, etc.,.

Answer 10

There are many beautifully books you can enjoy in the original language, learning Latin, I never do it.