The argument that Latin is a ‘dead language’ is one that has been going on for many years, however one could argue it is as important as the English language itself. English, you see, is a hybrid language, a marriage of two languages—English and Latin. Latin words are bigger, harder, have more syllables, more abstract meanings, and different pronunciation and spelling patterns. How do we teach the Latin half of English in a systematic orderly way like we do with the phonics? We don’t. But we should. And the only truly systematic way to continue the study of the English language after phonics is to teach Latin—the other half of English.
We live in an age dominated by science, so parents often ask, “Why study something useless and impractical like Latin? What we need is more science and math education. All of the modern sciences began their development at the time of the Renaissance (about 500 years ago) when all educated people knew Latin and or Greek.
A new science means a whole new set of words, a whole new vocabulary. Think of all the new words that came with computer science. Think of all of the big words in biology, chemistry, astronomy, psychology, sociology, and economics. The first task in learning a new subject is to learn the vocabulary, it is half the battle. It supplies the root words of not one, but all of the modern sciences.
Not only does Latin provide the root words for all of the modern sciences, but Latin is the language of law, politics, logic, and theology. While a large number of words in science come from Greek, law is the exclusive domain of the Latin language. All legal terms are Latin. The Romans excelled in the practical arts of law and government, and it is from them that we derive our legal and political language. Latin is invaluable for the business and law student. And although logic was first explained by Aristotle in Greek, it was really developed and systematized by the schoolmen in the Middle Ages—in Latin, of course. Latin is the best preparation for learning a Romance language, or any language. Once you really understand how language works, the task of learning a new language will be much simpler.
I consider this to be the most important reason of all: mental training. Latin is the most effective tool we have to develop and train our minds to. Not only does it cut in half the task of learning another language, it makes learning any subject easier. Latin is an unexcelled system. Once you learn one system, you learn how to think systematically and approach any new subject with greatly enhanced learning skills.
For instance, the subject of literature teaches insight, perception, and compassion for the human condition. The subject of history develops judgment, discernment, acumen, and wisdom; The subject of math teaches accuracy and logic. Those qualities of mind are priceless and what differentiates the educated person from the uneducated. Likewise, the mind of the student that has been educated in Latin takes on the qualities of Latin: logic, order, discipline, structure. Latin requires and teaches attention to detail, accuracy, patience, precision, and thorough, honest work. Latin will form the minds of your students. Think of the mind like the body. Latin is a mental workout, and Latin is your mental trainer.
Latin has its down sides, as though it is called a language, it is not spoken at all so the phrase ‘dead language’ is far in that sense. However it does make up the basis of the language English as we know it today, and learning about the roots interests some people. I learn Latin and already see the benefits of learning it and therefore even though the phrase ‘dead language’ is heavily enforced on it, I would recommend it!
By Anya Shah Bancroft’s School
