Language – Latin

6 Responses to “Why do people study Latin if it is a dead language?”

1. Q Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   The benefit of learning a language varies according to the language learned. Latin can be quite useful for many things–it gives you a solid base in classical scholarship and in the roots of words in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Romanian. This will help your understanding of language. And if you go into medicine or law, you’ll more easily understand where many of the words used in those fields come from. It can help with SATs and tests like that by improving your English language skills.

   However, what it can’t do is give you the ability to interact with people from another country, or watch movies from another country, that kind of thing. So if you are studying a foreign language because you want to live abroad or get some international experience, then Latin is probably not the way to go.

2. lilxxsillyxxme Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   it helps you learn other languages because they were most likely based off of latin

3. pinay_anjel Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   I think people study Latin because it is a basis of most English words. Not many people are aware that the words we speak can be derived from Latin.

   Like annihilate: the Latin root nihil means "nothing."
   Annihilate means "to reduce into extinction."

   I’m learning about Latin and Greek roots in English class, as well as looking for some words for my short story. It’s a very interesting language, way better than Spanish class.

4. Grace Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   Hi Emperor. Thanks so much for the translations and taking your time. I’m so grateful; thank you so much!!

5. archigenes Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   Besides the boost it gives you in English literacy and learning Romance languages, it allows you to read Classical literature and poetry in the original language. Some people might ask what the use of that is when you can read pretty much anything in translation nowadays. Well, consider how good your favorite English song would sound if it were translated into German or Chinese. Do you think it would preserve those little shades of meaning, the same sound that you originally fell in love with?

6. Justin V Says:
   November 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm

   When you come upon a word in a book, you have no idea what it is saying sometimes. Look at the root, 9/10 times its latin!