Connect with Latin

Why Learn Latin

Latin is the language that was spoken by the ancient Romans. As the Romans extended their empire throughout the Mediterranean, the Latin language spread. By the time of Julius Caesar, Latin was spoken in Italy, France, and Spain. Classical Latin—the language spoken by Caesar and Mark Antony—may not be anyone’s native language, but it continues to thrive in the modern world. Many other languages, such as Spanish, Italian, and French, evolved from classical Latin. These languages are called “Romance” languages, precisely because they developed from the language spoken by the Romans.

You should study Latin if:

You Are Interested in Classical Literature

A translation of the Aeneid can give you only a second-hand idea of what Virgil was trying to communicate; to fully appreciate the poem, you must read it in the language in which Virgil wrote it.

You Want to Improve Your English Vocabulary

Although English did not develop directly from Latin, English speakers borrowed many words from Latin. Some of these we use every day (“peninsula,” “university”) while others (“egregious,” “immaculate,” “inference”) are less common but no less integral to a strong vocabulary.

You Are Interested in Medicine, Nursing, or Law

Many medical terms and almost all legal terms are Latin words. Knowing the Latin meaning of “lateral” and non compos mentis will give you a competitive edge in these fields.

The Romance Languages Intrigue You

Many words in these languages are little changed from classical Latin. For example, the Spanish word for “boss” (patrone) is a direct descendant of the Latin word patronus, which roughly translates as “political patron.”

You Want to Know More About Life in Ancient Rome

There is no real English equivalent for Latin words like forum, patronus, and imperator. When you learn these Latin words, you also learn about the Roman political and social realities behind them. Language is an integral part of culture, so by learning Latin, you will learn about Roman culture and society.

You Want a Mental Challenge

Latin grammar is complex, and reading a Latin sentence can be like fitting the pieces of a puzzle together. People who enjoy math and music usually enjoy Latin because it requires some of the same intellectual skills as these disciplines.

You Are Interested in Early Music and Sacred Music

Anyone who has studied two semesters of Latin will be able to understand the Renaissance masses and Gregorian chants sung by groups such as the Tallis Scholars and Anonymous Four.

You Are Considering Pursuing Studies in Ancient or Medieval History

Many prestigious graduate programs in these fields require their students to do research in Latin.