Being taught Latin at school in 1956 and sometimes wondering why. Essentially to learn the past-origins of English. Danish, Saxon and Norman French.
Learning Latin these days provides a vivid link naturally to Italian. French and Spanish are also derived from Latin.
Latin was not an easy language for a ten year old to learn.
Latin could be painful (not the language itself!) especially if a mistake was made; for example, a verb.
In those days a ruler would be smacked on the hands of the individual who made mistakes Not delivered in a sadistic way by a teacher, but painful all the same.
There used to be a phrase quoted by fellow pupils:
Latin is a language, as dead as dead can be. It used to kill the Romans and now killing me!
Why Latin? The Romans dominated much of England from AD 43 until AD 410. There are many similarities with English and Latin. Place a page of Latin and English side by side and the similarities are notable. Especially having be taught Latin at school.
Some examples of English Latin translations:
English: cold weather
Latin: frigus tempestas
English: walk
Latin: ambulare
English: writing
Latin: scripturam
A very humorous quote is located in Amsterdam’s Max Eeuwelein near the Leidseplein. On a classical looking façade, on a freeze supported by columns, is an inscription in Latin:
‘Homo sapiens non urinat in ventum’.
In enhanced English:
“A wise man doesn’t pee against the wind.”
Or to attempt something that can’t be achieved!
Latinesque is a lovely word!
William Shakespeare’s plays include Latin/Italian characters for example Julius Caesar.
My all time favorite is Romeo and Juliet and reading this tragedy brings a lump in my throat.
Has Latin visited you? If so, in what way?
