What are the benefits of learning Latin?

[Nooj]

Latin does help with the English vocabulary, and it is useful for learning Romance languages, but aside from that, it’s quite useless. Some scholars/historians still learn Latin to help translate documents from before the 20th century, when Latin was still used to write scientific and scholarly articles. Theology students and theologians know Latin because many religious documents were written in Latin. But I don’t think the ordinary Catholic needs to learn it.

I highly recommend that you do not learn the language unless you enjoy it for it’s own sake. Why learn a language or read its literature that you don’t enjoy?

 

[EasterJoy]

Latin does help with the English vocabulary, and it is useful for learning Romance languages, but aside from that, it’s quite useless. Some scholars/historians still learn Latin to help translate documents from before the 20th century, when Latin was still used to write scientific and scholarly articles. Theology students and theologians know Latin because many religious documents were written in Latin. But I don’t think the ordinary Catholic needs to learn it.

I highly recommend that you do not learn the language unless you enjoy it for it’s own sake. Why learn a language or read its literature that you don’t enjoy?

Useless? Do you know any Latin? The language has substantial intellectual merits quite apart from the “enjoyment” or “utility” involved in having mastered a portion of it.

Of course, I am one of those people who thinks that the exercise of having learned geometry and algebra go far beyond whether a person ever “uses” their math background or not. Many people don’t “use” weightlifting or jogging, either. You don’t have to like your time in the gym to be changed for the better because you spend time there.

Whether it is Latin or math or systematic theology, mental exercise is worth the effort, too.

 

[Nooj]

Useless? Do you know any Latin?

I’ve been studying it for four years.

The language has substantial intellectual merits quite apart from the “enjoyment” or “utility” involved in having mastered a portion of it.

Exactly, which is why I recommend you should enjoy learning Latin (this obviously would include intellectual satisfaction).

The uses for such a language should stand quite apart from learning it in the first place. Especially a near-dead language like Latin, or Hittite or Sumerian which has no relevance for the average person, outside of people working in Assyriology or Classics.

Of course, I am one of those people who thinks that the exercise of having learned geometry and algebra go far beyond whether a person ever “uses” their math background or not. Many people don’t “use” weightlifting or jogging, either. You don’t have to like your time in the gym to be changed for the better because you spend time there.

Whether it is Latin or math or systematic theology, mental exercise is worth the effort, too.

I believe mental exercise falls under enjoyment…a bit like chess, I play it because it is fun and gets the mind working.

 

[EasterJoy]

I believe mental exercise falls under enjoyment…a bit like chess, I play it because it is fun and gets the mind working.

One who likes exercise is much more likely to become fit, but the need for fitness doesn’t hinge on how much one enjoys exercise.

Having said that…yes, there is more than one way to give the body the exercise it needs, and more than one way to exercise the mind. Those which are enjoyed more are more likely to be something a person sticks with and profits from in the long term, even over the days when enjoyment isn’t what gets the body moving!

 

[Auntie_M]

You may have a valid point about Latin, but I am WAY up in years and I have trouble with my memory. I have a hard enough time remembering some English words.

I don’t have the time (left in life) to spend it on learning another language, I would rather learn more about the Bible and trust God to “show” me the rest.

I guess if everything goes back to Latin, I’ll just copy what the older people used to do, sit in mass and say my Rosary. But that’s ok with me too.

But whatever you younger kids want, I am sure you’ll get. I don’t see you letting anything go til you do. (That’s the norm in your generation, I want, I get, or I’ll fuss til I do) (No offence that is just the way it is.)

I was, however, under the impression that alot of English came from Greek. I guess you need to learn that too.

It is very refreshing that you kids WANT to learn nowadays. I hope you equalize your time on all things, not just learning Latin.

But as far as I am concerned, I’ll just hire a translater IF I need one.
Just sign me “From the Old School”. (When Obedience was the rule.)

 

[Strevel]

But whatever you younger kids want, I am sure you’ll get. I don’t see you letting anything go til you do. (That’s the norm in your generation, I want, I get, or I’ll fuss til I do) (No offence that is just the way it is.)

I was, however, under the impression that alot of English came from Greek. I guess you need to learn that too.

It is very refreshing that you kids WANT to learn nowadays. I hope you equalize your time on all things, not just learning Latin.

Latin is such a beautiful language. It’s meter and flow is great, like your favorite song! When you can express yourself in higher grammar English words you will use… uh, let’s see now, OH YEA!! YOU WILL USE LATIN!! WOO HOO! Antithetical, copastetic, lucid, non compis mentis, gymnasium, bacteria, paramecium and clavical… You can raise your level of English Grammar by taking a basic Latin class. I love to read what some of the Doctors of the Church said. …like I am going to catch their points no matter what language, huh. But, they raise my level of English! Lean the differences.

Life is so fun and very short! When I die I want their to be a respectful private Mass (Latin if you please and can find a Priest that remembers Then, play a few tunes in Rock, then roll me over in the dirt, give everyone a six pack and celebrate my life!! Pass on the passing !

God, I love being catholic, it is a very positive and uplifting experience!!

Don in Vegas:thumbsup:

 

[Geremia]

Read what the Baltimore Catechism says about Latin:

Q. 566. Why does the Church use the Latin language instead of the national language of its children?
A. The Church uses the Latin language instead of the national language of its children:

1. 
   *]To avoid the danger of changing any part of its teaching in using different languages;
   *]That all its rulers may be perfectly united and understood in their communications;
   *]To show that the Church is not an institute of any particular nation, but the guide of all nations.