Why study Latin
We try here, in a very synthetic way, to give the reasons that have led our school to offer training in the field of classical languages in its educational proposal for high school students:
Latin demonstrably benefits students and increases their capacity to learn.
It is not a language with practical use in our modern society but of deep benefits in its study We should not ask “what are the students going to do after high school with Latin studies?” but instead “what is studying Latin going to do to help these students?”. There is no doubt of the educational value of Latin, as experience tells and the most relevant schools around the world still today have it as its precious means of education.
It is always a distinctive element for classical and humanistic studies to include the study of classical languages and cultures. It is considered that an authentic humanist formation is very impoverished if one does not try to have knowledge of these classics. Although classical languages are the instrument for knowledge of classical authors in their own language, they are still an instrument of great educational value in themselves.
We are convinced of the formative and educational value that the study of the Latin language has for young people. It helps them to acquire elements that will facilitate universal access to culture and any type of subsequent higher education. Classical languages make reasoning easier and help in the acquisition of deep intellectual habits. The results are manifest. It also helps in the formation of moral habits because it requires great effort and patience to acquire them.
Why is Latin such a valuable academic tool?
An ancient language like Latin is relatively complex and systematic, unlike languages now that tend to be over-simplified. Learning Latin makes students more conscious of the structure of their own language and therefore able to express themselves more precisely.
Studying Latin aids students in mastering English. Because over 50 percent of all English words are derived from Latin—along with 80 to 90 percent of all polysyllabic words—students will greatly expand their vocabulary. The regular grammar of Latin is ideal for learning English grammar as well as the grammar of many other languages. About 80 percent of the vocabulary of the five Romantic languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian) comes from Latin. To learn Latin is the beginning of a study of six languages at once.
For professional careers like law and medicine, Latin provides yet another bonus. Because these fields require precision in language, Latin is typically their base for technical terms and names. It will also be helpful for fields including science, music, theology, philosophy, art and literature.
Learning Latin has an educational virtue as it is an ongoing practice in linguistic puzzle-solving that generally helps students to become thoughtful readers and writers. It also improves the mental faculties, cultivating careful analysis and attention. Latin and classical languages together with their great literature and culture are the fount and foundation of sciences and great thinkers.
It is a most effective training for the pliable minds of youth. It exercises, matures and perfects the principal faculties of mind and spirit. It sharpens the wits and gives keenness of judgment. It helps the young mind to grasp things accurately and develop a true sense of values. It is also a means for teaching highly intelligent thought and speech.