Why Latin?

Of course, a rigorous curriculum in a classical, “dead” language could be a barrier for transferring students. Wonderview School aims to overcome that barrier while maintaining high language acquisition and understanding standards in our Latin curricula. This is achieved by focusing on grammatical understanding and fluency, and vocabulary. 

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Why Study Latin? A Top 10 List from Christopher Perrin, Ph.D.

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1. Becoming Multilingual: Latin never died but evolved into French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian (the Romance languages). As a result, about 90 percent of the vocabulary of these languages comes from Latin. To learn Latin is to begin studying six languages at once.​

2. English Vocabulary and Grammar: Studying Latin aids students in mastering English. Since 50 percent of all English words are derived from Latin—along with 80–90 percent of all polysyllabic terms— students will significantly expand their vocabulary. The regular grammar of Latin is also ideal for learning English grammar or the grammar of many other languages.​

3. Professions: Latin prepares students for many vital professions steeped in Latin terms and phrases or English words derived from Latin. These career fields include law, medicine, science, music, theology, philosophy, art, and literature.​

4. Writing and Reading: The increased vocabulary and understanding of grammar gained by studying Latin enable students to write and read more easily and clearly.​

5. English Literature: Latin grants students a deeper understanding of English literature before 1950, much of which is replete with references and citations in Latin.​

6. History: The study of Latin and its history and influence helps students to more fully understand and appreciate the Roman Empire, which has had profound and continuing effects on Western civilization.​

7. Great Literature and Art: Latin enables students to enjoy some of the most influential literature in the world—in the original language. Learning Latin well enough to read original Latin works is an attainable skill that imparts excellent satisfaction and enjoyment. Additionally, great works of art and monuments worldwide are frequently graced with Latin.​

8. Educational Virtue: The study of Latin is an ongoing practice in linguistic puzzle-solving that generally helps students to become close and thoughtful readers and writers. Many scholars believe it also hones the mental faculties, cultivating careful analysis and attention.​

9. Pleasure: Deciphering the “secret code” of Latin and learning how to puzzle-solve, see the meanings behind words, and read great authors in their tongues is a pleasure that will last students a lifetime.​

10. Simultaneous Learning: As you can see, studying Latin is a way of performing advanced study in multiple subject areas simultaneously. It is a master art that enables students to master other skills and other subjects.