In a world where languages evolve further every day, it
seems logical to question the relevance of learning a ‘dead’
language such as Latin. However, this language is still a vital
area of study: through their influence on English syntax
and vocabulary, Latin principles continue to determine the
way we use words and express our thoughts. In addition,
studying Latin allows us to maintain the connection we
have with the many culturally significant texts that 1 are
originally written in Latin.
2 Many principles of both English and Italian
grammar only make sense when their relationship to Latin
is taken into account. Consider, for example, the hotly
contested issue of a split infinitive—“they tried to quietly
leave.” (In this example, “to leave” is the infinitive.) Because
in Latin the infinitive is only one word and cannot be
divided, some conservative grammarians admonish that
splitting the English infinitive is 3 confused. The English
language, however, can accommodate the syntactical
division of “to” and “leave.” Studying Latin helps illuminate
the origins of this convention. The same principle can
also be used to explain many other English conventions,
including some grammarians’ prohibition against ending
a sentence with a preposition. 4 However, learning Latin
roots can be especially useful for understanding medical
terms. For instance, the word ‘persistent’ is a combination
of the prefix ‘per’ and the verb ‘to stop or stand’—literally
translated, ‘to stand through.’
[1] The Latin language is also 5 central: to a rich
philosophical and literary tradition that has shaped
Western culture. [2] While many excellent translations
are available, it is impossible to convey the force of Virgil’s
carefully metered lines of poetry in English idiom without
sacrificing the original structure. [3] In the same way, the
simple elegance of Augustine’s syntax and the depth of
meaning in his word choice often 6 is lost in translation.
[4] The influence of both these writers and many others
can be traced across history to contemporary writing and
7 philosophy, to understand this context is a prerequisite
to authentically engaging with these texts. [5] From the
Roman poet Virgil to the philosopher Augustine of Hippo,
many great writers penned their immortal works in Latin.
8
Although relatively few people speak Latin today,
this language is still a highly relevant area of study. If we
want to understand and explain our own language, we
need to understand its linguistic ancestry; 9 in order
to understand our contemporary context, we must first
grasp our historical context. 10 The ‘dead’ language
of Latin lives on in its connections 11 from modern
languages, literature, and philosophical traditions. Perhaps
its influence can best be summarized by the inversion of a
familiar maxim: ex uno, plures (from one, many).
seems logical to question the relevance of learning a ‘dead’
language such as Latin. However, this language is still a vital
area of study: through their influence on English syntax
and vocabulary, Latin principles continue to determine the
way we use words and express our thoughts. In addition,
studying Latin allows us to maintain the connection we
have with the many culturally significant texts that 1 are
originally written in Latin.
2 Many principles of both English and Italian
grammar only make sense when their relationship to Latin
is taken into account. Consider, for example, the hotly
contested issue of a split infinitive—“they tried to quietly
leave.” (In this example, “to leave” is the infinitive.) Because
in Latin the infinitive is only one word and cannot be
divided, some conservative grammarians admonish that
splitting the English infinitive is 3 confused. The English
language, however, can accommodate the syntactical
division of “to” and “leave.” Studying Latin helps illuminate
the origins of this convention. The same principle can
also be used to explain many other English conventions,
including some grammarians’ prohibition against ending
a sentence with a preposition. 4 However, learning Latin
roots can be especially useful for understanding medical
terms. For instance, the word ‘persistent’ is a combination
of the prefix ‘per’ and the verb ‘to stop or stand’—literally
translated, ‘to stand through.’
[1] The Latin language is also 5 central: to a rich
philosophical and literary tradition that has shaped
Western culture. [2] While many excellent translations
are available, it is impossible to convey the force of Virgil’s
carefully metered lines of poetry in English idiom without
sacrificing the original structure. [3] In the same way, the
simple elegance of Augustine’s syntax and the depth of
meaning in his word choice often 6 is lost in translation.
[4] The influence of both these writers and many others
can be traced across history to contemporary writing and
7 philosophy, to understand this context is a prerequisite
to authentically engaging with these texts. [5] From the
Roman poet Virgil to the philosopher Augustine of Hippo,
many great writers penned their immortal works in Latin.
8
Although relatively few people speak Latin today,
this language is still a highly relevant area of study. If we
want to understand and explain our own language, we
need to understand its linguistic ancestry; 9 in order
to understand our contemporary context, we must first
grasp our historical context. 10 The ‘dead’ language
of Latin lives on in its connections 11 from modern
languages, literature, and philosophical traditions. Perhaps
its influence can best be summarized by the inversion of a
familiar maxim: ex uno, plures (from one, many).