Who here has taken both Latin and Greek?

Question

Which one did you think was easier? And why? What prompted your interest in these languages? Do you know any others?

Or if you have just taken one of these, why did you choose it over a modern language?

Well, you can certainly separate the Europeans from the Americans. I do not think that Latin and Greek were ever compulsory here, certainly not in the last century, unless you went to a private school. In most places they are not even available until college (age 18 for most people). Latin will sometimes be offered earlier, but I am not aware of a single place that offers Greek before college. I was fortunate enough to get Latin in high school. Just barely, though - it was canceled the year after I got in due to low enrollment.

Foreign languages are not emphasized here, as they are rarely used. Everyone takes a second language in high school and it is quickly forgotten because no one ever uses it. Spanish, French, and German are the most common second languages offered, although about 20 years ago they started to offer Asian languages. Japanese and Korean are available in some high schools. Some elementary schools offer Spanish or French ouside of school hours for a fee.

I thought that Greek was easier - especially after having to learn the horrors of the Latin subjunctive, where the same clause can be indicative if stating a fact, subjunctive if stating an opinion, or either in certain circumstances (you either have to memorize them or look them up every time). My Latin grammar was twice as thick as my Greek grammar. However, that said, I have forgotten most of the Greek because I haven't used it. But I picked up a book a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised to see that I could translate most of it (roughly) without too much effort. I have had more Latin so I remember it better. I took the classics because I discovered the Greek myths back when I was about 10 and was completely fascinated. I agree with kestie - reading what someone wrote all those years ago in their own language is truly amazing! Translations don't even come close.

Answer 1

Our school class started Latin and French at 12 years old. After a year, everyone had to change to either Latin and Greek, or French and German. I chose Greek because, I think, (1) it was not many years after the war, and I had picked up a bit of anti-German feeling from older relatives; (2) I liked the preciseness and conciseness of Latin, and I didn't feel as comfortable with the woolliness and multiple choices in French.

Greek was a little bit harder than Latin, but when I took the Higher (school leaving) exam in it four years later, I still got the top mark in Scotland. That probably shows how few schools were even teaching Greek.

I did enough French and German to pass the lower grade of school examination in them, and can manage simple conversations in them on holiday. I still enjoy Latin, but I've forgotten all but a fraction of the Greek.

Answer 2

I took five years of Latin and 4 years of Greek. They were compulsory. Thoses languages have the roots of all the words we use.

We also had to take English and French....all through school.

Answer 3

I am studying Greek and although I have not heard latin, I could advocate it! The alphabet isn't difficult to gain knowledge of and I like how it sounds. Besides, when you like greek mythology then I could definatly gain knowledge of it to be able to consult with Greece and notice the entire historical mytholical monuments.

Answer 4

I studied Classics for a year and taken both Latin and ancient Greek. Latin is more fun to learn because a lot of languages base their grammar rules on the Latin grammatical system. There is also a number of Latin expressions that we still use, especially in reference to law or medicine. e.g. "Ignorantia juris nocet" which means that ignoring the law can harm you.Go with Latin!!!

Answer 5

I took Latin. I thought it was fascinating to read a language that is so old. I can read what someone wrote 2000 years ago!
It also was very helpful when I decided to learn Italian--I was able to pick up on it much quicker.
I liked Latin so much I decided to become a Latin teacher, so you can tell I'm very enthusiastic about Latin.

Answer 6

United Airlines Cabin Attendant at meal service asks you "What would you like Latin or Greek?

Answer 7

I am studying russian online for free, I like it and its easy.

Meg
www.byki.com