Many people label Latin as simply "the dead language" because it is not directly spoken in any society today. Often, Latin students wish they could travel to a foreign country and speak the language they work so diligently to learn. When Latin becomes difficult, it can be discouraging to know that this language is not one we can speak in a country distant from our own. However, we must realize that Latin has deep connections to today's world. Ecce Romani, the textbook of many Latin students, has several passages about Latin's connection to modern languages through derivatives, medical terminology, and legal nomenclature. One such passage reads, "Acquiring facility with the Latin language and familiarity with Roman culture is actually, then, a starting point for lifelong enrichment among multicultural lines."
Latin is an extremely relevant language, and it lives on as part of modern languages and cultures. When studying Latin becomes challenging, we must remember that this language gives us a deeper understanding of our world through its connection to art, literature, and architecture. Furthermore, knowledge of Latin helps dramatically in learning other Romance languages, especially because of the profound knowledge of grammar it gives to a student. So, the next time you struggle to memorize verb conjugations for an exam, keep in mind the vast understanding of world languages and culture that Latin gives you!
Latin Beyond Geography
Olivia Burdette (Aemilia), Ursuline Academy
11 OJCL TORCH: Voices Winter MMXVII https://www.google.com/ul?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjB6MPV-L3RAhVMNiYKHUL8A4EQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmagistrabush.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F23%2Fjcl-t-shirt-contest%2F&psig=AFQjCNHBUl5DxFMgey96R-DH1Oh37W6Q0A&ust=1484356401987376
We must remember that this language gives us a deeper understanding of our world through its connection to art, literature, and architecture.
Fall Forum Recap
Gabe Sekeres, Shaker Heights
Fall Forum could only have been described as a really good time. We travelled down in a bus to the beautiful campus of Columbus Academy, where over the course of a few hours we competed in a test and a sight reading (Latin or English) competition, an impromptu art competition, and a certamen tournament,
where it was universally agreed that Joseph Delamerced and I got completely robbed, finishing in 4th place. Though Ludi was cancelled due to time considerations, Fall
Forum truly lived up to its description of a
"mini convention,"and was a complete success.