If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Latin is a dead language,” I would be rich! Latin remains alive and relevant to all students, regardless of age or demographic. Latin did not die, but evolved into the Romance languages, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian. In fact, these languages have nothing to do with the conventional meaning of romance at all, but derive their family name from Rome! Afterall, omnis via Romam ducit – Every road leads to Rome!
A foundation in Latin gives students a distinct advantage in learning any of the Romance languages. Just look at the similarities among these Latin words with their Romance language counterparts. Each Latin word listed also has an English word derived from it. Note, however, that not all Latin words will always have an English derivative.
| Latin | Spanish | French | Italian | English | English derivative |
| Fructus | fruta | fruit | frutta | fruit | fructose- fruit sugar |
| Dulcis | dulce | doux | dolce | sweet | dulcet-soothing |
| Canis | *can | chien | cane | dog | canine |
| Mater | madre | mere | madre | mother | maternal |
| Pater | padre | per | padre | father | paternal |
| Mare | mar | mer | mare | sea | marine |
| Leo | leon | lion | leone | lion | leonine |
| Soror | *hermana | soer | sorella | sister | sorority |
| Frater | *hermano | frere | fratello | brother | fraternity |
| Familia | familia | famille | famiglia | family | familial |
**hermana and hermano both come from the Latin word germanus– sibling
Although English belongs to a different language family than Latin, 60% of English words come from Latin, as demonstrated in the chart above. A good foundation in Latin gives students a superior command of English vocabulary and grammar. Knowing Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes, helps students decode unfamiliar words, and increases vocabulary acquisition. The complexity of Latin grammar ensures students can understand grammatical structures critical to effective reading and good writing. I have met juniors in high school with 4 years of another language who do not understand the difference between dependent and independent clauses. These are concepts broached in the first year of Latin instruction, usually in seventh or eighth grade.
A great vocabulary and knowledge of grammar lead to higher scores on required standardized tests, including ISEE, PSAT English Regents, AP Latin, SAT Latin subject test, SAT English and writing, ACT English, LSAT, and GRE. In fact, data collected by The College Board demonstrates that students who take Latin earn better grades and higher test scores than those taking any other language, including both Russian and German.
Higher test scores often lead to better prospects for college acceptances. Since college admission’s officers know Latin is a challenging subject, a Latin student already has an advantage, which is only amplified by higher test scores. According to Michael C. Behnke, Vice President for Enrollment, University of Chicago, “A Latin student is likely to be disciplined, have a strong basis for further learning, and be a little more creative toward intellectual pursuits than most.”
In addition to all of these benefits, a foundation in Latin is invaluable for anyone pursuing degrees in law, medicine and science. There are many examples of legal terminology that come straight from Latin, e.g. subpoena duces tecum – you shall bring evidence with you under penalty of punishment. In fact, the English abbreviation e.g. also derives from a Latin phrase, exempli gratia– for the sake of an example.
The same is true in medicine and biology. Anatomical terminology is almost exclusively Latin-based, e.g. latissimus dorsi– widest [muscle] of the back, commonly referred to by athletes and gym-goers as lats.
The same Latin word for back, also gives us dorsal, naming the prominent back fin of sharks as the dorsal fin.
Indeed, in biology almost every species is known by its Latin name, e.g. canis lupus familiaris – a familiar wolf is a dog. This is the scientific name for domesticated dogs. Ancient Romans were partial to domesticated guard dogs, based on the many remaining mosaics with the Latin phrase, Cave canem, the common English warning, Beware of the dog.
Anyone studying Latin joins the ranks of some well-known Classics (Greek, Latin and Ancient History) scholars:
- Tom Hiddleston, actor Loki from Thor series, Classics degree from University of Cambridge.
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, studied Classics at Exeter College, Oxford.
- Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, Classics degree from UCLA.
- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.
- Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, studied Latin and Ancient Greek in High school.
- Robert Griffin III, Quarterback for NFL’s Washington Redskins, studied Latin at Baylor University.
Most people may not be aware that language-learning positively affects the brain in multiple ways, such as executive function, neuroplasticity and better outcomes after brain trauma.
The term executive function describes a set of mental skills such as paying attention, organizing, planning, and prioritizing, starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion, understanding different points of view, regulating emotions, and self-monitoring, skills essential to success in all areas of life. Language learning is like gymnastics for the brain, and Latin is the best workout of all!
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, allows the brain to compensate for deficits such as those caused by stroke and dementia and also helps one to alter activities in response to new situations or changes in environment. Increases in neuroplasticity actually permanently change the brain, leading to better utilization of its capacities.
For anyone having difficulty in Latin class, reach out to me! As an educator with 20+ years of teaching Latin to students of all ages and demographics, I bring tried and true techniques and strategies to the table. I am here to help with anything from a 6th grade Latin project to the Latin AP exam, SAT subject test, and anything in between!!
Carpe Diem! Seize the Day!