Latin might be a dead language, but its uses and applications are still plentiful. In fact, learning Latin might be one of the most valuable and time-worthy things you can do, and here are seven reasons why.
1. You'll Master English
'Ego,' 'maximum,' 'acumen,' 'video': do these all sound familiar? All of them are words taken directly from Latin.
Over half of all English vocabulary comes from Latin or Latin-derived words [1]. So while learning a dead language might seem counter-intuitive, it's a great way to develop a deeper understanding of English grammar and orthography and expand your English vocabulary.
2. To Develop Multilingualness
Want to master the Romance languages? Then Latin is the place to start. Around 90 percent of the vocabulary from French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian is derived from Latin. So learning Latin gives you a significant foothold into mastering languages used by over 1 billion people worldwide. Not too shabby.
3. To Train Your Mind
You might not think learning Latin would have anything to do with being good at Maths, Science or Geography, but research proves [2] that students who know Latin generally outperform their classmates across all subjects.
So why is this? Well, put simply, learning Latin is like training for your brain. Learning Latin is an ongoing linguistic puzzle that takes time, effort, and attention. The result is a mind capable of careful analysis and deep study. Also, some research suggests that learning a language can help hold back cognitive decline in old age.
4. Get Into A Good University or College
Competition to get into the top universities and colleges is fierce. As a result, you'll want to make yourself stand out from the crowd as much as possible. Reading, writing, and speaking Latin is undoubtedly one way to impress, especially if you've got a qualification to back it up.
5. Read Old Texts
Many of the great texts that built Western Civilisation are in Latin. Moreover, until the 18th century, Latin continued to be the language of the educated. As a result, many scientific texts, for example, were still written in Latin. As such, learning Latin will grant you access to reading a vast array of Poetic, Scientific, and Philosophical works in the language they were written in.
6. Read Classic English Literature Better
You don't need Latin to read English, but many classic literature authors loved to throw in a bit of Latin into their works. Read any English works composed before 1950, and chances are you'll come across some Latin references or citations. You'll probably manage okay without it, but you'll significantly improve your understanding of these texts with some knowledge of Latin at your disposal.
7. It's Fun!
As mentioned earlier, learning Latin is like solving a linguistic puzzle. As is the case with solving any puzzle, it may seem like daunting and tedious work at first, but it can also be hugely fulfilling. If you love challenging yourself, learning Latin can be a rewarding experience.
Sources
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/e/word-origins/#:~:text=About%2080%20percent,intermediary%20(usually%20French
[2] https://modg.org/latin/why-latin
1. You'll Master English
'Ego,' 'maximum,' 'acumen,' 'video': do these all sound familiar? All of them are words taken directly from Latin.
Over half of all English vocabulary comes from Latin or Latin-derived words [1]. So while learning a dead language might seem counter-intuitive, it's a great way to develop a deeper understanding of English grammar and orthography and expand your English vocabulary.
2. To Develop Multilingualness
Want to master the Romance languages? Then Latin is the place to start. Around 90 percent of the vocabulary from French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian is derived from Latin. So learning Latin gives you a significant foothold into mastering languages used by over 1 billion people worldwide. Not too shabby.
3. To Train Your Mind
You might not think learning Latin would have anything to do with being good at Maths, Science or Geography, but research proves [2] that students who know Latin generally outperform their classmates across all subjects.
So why is this? Well, put simply, learning Latin is like training for your brain. Learning Latin is an ongoing linguistic puzzle that takes time, effort, and attention. The result is a mind capable of careful analysis and deep study. Also, some research suggests that learning a language can help hold back cognitive decline in old age.
4. Get Into A Good University or College
Competition to get into the top universities and colleges is fierce. As a result, you'll want to make yourself stand out from the crowd as much as possible. Reading, writing, and speaking Latin is undoubtedly one way to impress, especially if you've got a qualification to back it up.
5. Read Old Texts
Many of the great texts that built Western Civilisation are in Latin. Moreover, until the 18th century, Latin continued to be the language of the educated. As a result, many scientific texts, for example, were still written in Latin. As such, learning Latin will grant you access to reading a vast array of Poetic, Scientific, and Philosophical works in the language they were written in.
6. Read Classic English Literature Better
You don't need Latin to read English, but many classic literature authors loved to throw in a bit of Latin into their works. Read any English works composed before 1950, and chances are you'll come across some Latin references or citations. You'll probably manage okay without it, but you'll significantly improve your understanding of these texts with some knowledge of Latin at your disposal.
7. It's Fun!
As mentioned earlier, learning Latin is like solving a linguistic puzzle. As is the case with solving any puzzle, it may seem like daunting and tedious work at first, but it can also be hugely fulfilling. If you love challenging yourself, learning Latin can be a rewarding experience.
Sources
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/e/word-origins/#:~:text=About%2080%20percent,intermediary%20(usually%20French
[2] https://modg.org/latin/why-latin
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