How Latin Has Impacted My Education

As a history major focusing on the classics I have found Latin to be extremely helpful in my studies. Those who make it their living to study the classics use Latin to determine the past and to draw conclusions on some of our history's most important events. I see the impact Latin has when I am in my other classes and can translate names of books as well as some texts. Although I struggle when it comes to any language I have recently seen a great improvement in my understanding of the Language. I feel this is definitely one of the more important languages as it is viewed as the basis for all the Western culture. People call Latin a dead language, however this is misleading, Latin is very much alive in every language we speak. By learning Latin you can then have a better understanding of other languages such as Spanish and French. I look forward to continuing my education with the Latin language and improving upon my understanding of the language.
-Sean Phillips

latin experience

Even though Latin is not actively spoken today, it is the foundation of many languages that still spoken. I took Spanish in high school. I noticed many similarities in the vocabulary and grammar. The verbs are conjugated very similarly in both languages. I also was surprised by how many words in English can be derived from Latin. I feel that taking Latin will make learning other languages simpler. Latin is a very challenging language to learn, which also makes it more rewarding. Latin is far from a “dead” language for it is the foundation from many modern spoken languages.

-Cassidy Camantigue

Latin experience

Latin has always been an interesting language and something that I have always thought would be fun and useful to learn. Many languages derive from the Latin language, I speak both Spanish and English and it was fun to see how I could distinguish root words from both languages. Throughout the semester whenever I would see Latin in movies, tv, or books it was enjoyable to be able to translate most of the words and see if they were declined right or not. I even helped some friends get their grammar correct for tattoos they wanted to get. Im a science major and some medical terminology has latin roots and words and this class helped me in learning some of those roots and words. I also was at first interested in Latin class because I want to get a Latin word tattoo and wanted to make sure I had the right grammar. I also wanted to learn new words that I could consider using but as I thought about it Latin become more interesting as it is something that can be useful in the future and its always nice when you know something most people dont.
- Juan Guerrero

Latin 1

I have to say that as far as learning another language goes, I actually enjoyed Latin. I'm a history major with a focus on the Roman withdrawal from Britain, so I figured what better way to research than in primary texts? I also signed up for Latin because I'm a bit of a coward when it comes to speaking in front of groups and as that was the way my first language class (French 1) tested, well, I figured I'd be better off with a dead language. The other great thing about the "dead language" status is that it makes it all but impossible to teach the class Immersion style, which I also had big problems with.
Because of my Major and focus I'm actually now looking to minor, if not dual-major in Classics. I loved all the little stories that we translated.

~Cassandra Stewart

The ups and downs of Latin

I am glad I decided to take Latin instead of the other languages I was considering. Although it is a "Dead" Language, I feel that it is the most useful for me, as I am an English major and interested in the classics. For students intending to make a living in public relations or business, however, I can see the benefit of taking Spanish or French.
I did not particularly care for the online Labs, simply because I am somewhat forgetful and feel as though I was penalized for missing a lab when it was sometimes unclear when it was due, when it was available, or the like. More than once, I simply forgot about the lab. Perhaps this could be made a little more forgiving by making a notification send to all the students automatically the day before the lab closes?
Overall, the teacher was helpful and personable, and the class was enjoyable. I will be taking Latin II in the spring.

my first semester of latin

I have really enjoyed my experience this semester taking this course. It will be very helpful in my medical terminology class, there are a lot of wordsd that I already recognize due to taking this class. I will be taking latin II next semester and I hope I enjoy it just as much...
--- Samantha Dedrick.

A time worth remembering

I chose latin1 because I had always wanted to take it but it was no longer offered at my high school. Although the world has progressed a lot since Latin was used, I feel we have lost some of the important values and ideals of that time. It seems as though the people then were able to take life at a slower pace and truly experience life. Nowadays it seems impossible not to be consumed by the daily rush. We speed around in our cars so that we aren't minutes late to work at a job we probably do not enjoy everyday until our eventual end. It all seems so meaningless to me.
Latin has also been a way to look at the way languages have evolved and its interesting to see how the languages of today link together to Latin. I love the grammar of Latin, how word order and punctuation are not important. I am a science major and the petty details of English grammar have always bugged me. I hope I can keep up with my Latin studies and be better connected with a time we forget to often in our busy lives.

-Dustin Rose

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Hellenist turned Classicist

All right, all right, I'm a self-proclaimed Hellenist. Myth is what dragged me into classics, and since learning about all of the gods and goddesses and heroes from the Greek perspective and with their Greek names first, I went a little heavier on the Greek courses for my Classics degree. I've taken Classical Greek for three semesters now and this is only my first semester of Latin, but so far, I've really enjoyed it! Yes, the third declension kicked me in the face, and then the neuter gendered nouns also gave me a hefty blow, but I've really enjoyed the book and Dr. Manolaraki's modifications to it. I mean, by unit two in Greek, you get present, future, imperfect, AND aorist. Then it's perfect and pluperfect. And within the next few units, you get into subjunctive and optative! So, I really like the way that the book introduces everything so that you get familiar with it before you're slapped with too many things at once. Dr. Manolaraki also does a really nice job of monitoring the text so that she can make sure that there is a smooth transition into every new chapter, and every new piece of grammar.

All in all, even if I didn't have to take several Latin courses to graduate, I still would. Latin I has turned this Hellenist into an equal opportunity Classicist. Though I do still prefer the Greek names for the gods and goddesses; some things can't be helped.

Also, thank all the blessed gods on Olympus for the ablative case!

K. Pinkett

Latin 1, My Thoughts

I chose Latin 1 mainly due to my interest in Roman History. I have always been fascinated by the Romans and their accomplishments and would like to study them further in graduate school. Of course to do this I have to know the language, so here I am in Latin 1. I would love to be able to translate my own primary documents myself instead of having to use those translated works where you might not be getting the full translation based on who did it. Latin 1 has been fun, but is a quite difficult language, so many cases ugh. lol.

-Robert Speich

Why I Choose Latin

This is going to sound incredibly stupid but one of my reasons for studying Latin is that I discovered that Harry Potter books 1 & 2 are available in Latin, one day I want to be able to read them in Latin. Actually when I first transfered to USF I had considered taking Latin - I'm a history major and at the time wasn't sure what sort of history I was going to major in and thought that Latin would be helpful if I went into early European (I ended up in American, so just a little bit of a change) but had copped out for what I thought would be easier - French (btw, it's not easier), after not doing too well in French - an uninterested TA and hard to pronounce words - I ended up deciding to give Latin a try. I figured it nothing else I don't have to speak it too much, although it has turned out to be a pretty easy to speak language. I have since found Latin to be a bit helpful in my English vocabulary, it seems like after I learned a new word I saw its variation somewhere in another class's reading - laudable (from laudare) seemed to be the most common, but I also learned the word puerile, which I haven't yet had an opportunity to use but it's a nifty word anyways.

Looking forward to Latin II and one day HP in Latin (there are a number of other books available in Latin too, maybe one day those one too)

Vocabulary study guide

I guess we're not able to post attachments or PDF's into our blogs. Bummer. I created a pretty worthy vocabulary study guide, complete with macrons, all principal parts, English definitions and cognates, and derivatives/analogues from Greek. For those of you in my class I'll send out a group email with the study guide in a PDF attachment.

Michael

Latin Rocks My World

I took Latin in high school and absolutely loved it! I really wanted to take Latin in college, but I couldn't find any school that offered it until USF. Latin has helped me through the years with my science courses, with all kinds of writing/English tests, and I am now a Classical Civilizations major and it has already helped me do better in my classes. I know that I will be translating texts and reading coins often (I want to specialize in Ancient Rome) so now I will be able to translate things for myself. I also look forward to being able to read biblical texts in Latin.
Many times even members of my own family viewed my interest in Latin quizzically, considering that it's a "dead" language. However, I also took a year of German in college (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and I have found Latin to be much more useful in my field of study. Latin was a very good base for learning German and I think it made my other classes much easier. I plan on taking at least four semesters (hopefully all with Dr. M.).
-Heather Gustafson-

GPA Please Forgive Me!

So…whenever any of my mom’s friends asked what I was taking this semester at college they all seemed in awe of the fact that I am taking Latin. Personally I wasn’t that excited about having to study a langue again. For one I’m really bad at it. I just don’t have the discipline of constantly memorizing and maneuver my brain into the thinking patterns of another language. But since I had to I’m very glad I chose Latin. Not only can I now understand many of the spells in Harry Potter, but I’ve begun to learn a little more about the Roman culture and the way they thought through their use of language. So despite the fact that I was upset about having to take another language ( I’ve already braved Spanish I and took a blow to my GPA once) it has kept my interest and I’m less than hesitant to continue on. So good luck everyone on your finals, for those of us who have to take it, and hope to see some of you next semester.

-Morgan Vollmer-

carpe diem

"carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero" This is one of my favorite phrases. I think s is a great motto and have always love the message it gives. I even knew the popular translation as "seize the day, put no trust in the future". It wasn't until this class that I understood the grammar behind this phrase. I now realize that carpe is the imperative form of carpere meaning to seize or to take. I also understand how diem is the accusative singular of a 3rd declension noun. I am planning to go to medical school and I am hopeful that this class will prove useful as I am memorizing medical terminology based entirely upon Latin roots. I have already begun to notice how many words familiar to me have their root in Latin.
~Nathan Watts

Latin for my study of the New Testament

My interest in Latin came way too late. I'm presently working on a second undergrad degree. I got a minor in Greek with my first degree but for some reason avoided taking Latin. But taking Latin has improved my undertanding of Greek grammar immensely, so I wish I'd taken it sooner.

I got interested in Latin whenever I really began to analyze the textual apparatuses of the New Testament. There is one manuscript in particular that intrigues me: Codex Bezae (= D). This is a diglot codex with Greek on one page and Latin on the other. For centuries scholars have wondered just how authoritative this MS ought to be for the establishing of various New Testament texts. Personally, I don't put much stock in the MS. I find it to have been seriously worked over by some editor or editors. I could explain what exactly I mean by this if anyone's interested, but I suspect that nobody reading this blog is.

One long-term goal that I have is to write a commentary on Codex Bezae, showing its inferiority to other textual traditions. Another is to translate and interact with numerous classical texts related to the New Testament (for example, I'm presently translating a text from Pliny the Elder on the Essenes). I may also try publishing a study guide for students of Hebrew, Greek and Latin. This would be a three column chart, showing all the words that occur at least 10 times in the Old Testament with their equivalent translations into Greek and Latin as defined by the Septuagint and Vulgate.

Michael Flowers

Latin

A lot of people think that I'm crazy for taking Latin since it's a "dead" language. I, on the other hand, am glad that I took the chance and embarked on this journey.
Although I could have taken the easy way out and just taken Spanish for my language requirement, I decided that I wanted a challenge! I wanted to take a class that would make me interested in another culture.
Latin has definitely done that for me. Not only has it opened my eyes to a new culture, but I've gotten the chance to translate one of my favorite stories... the story of Psyche and Cupid.
One last thing that Latin has given me this semester is that it has strengthened my foundation in English grammar. The only thing that sort of worries me is the various cases that I have to remember for Latin 2.
I will have a lot to study this Christmas break but it will all be worth it.
I can't wait for Latin 2 next semester!!

-Ingrid Morales

Learning Latin...

For me learning Latin has been an interesting prospect. I've technically done my language requirement here at USF in Japanese (nihongo), so switching back from an Asian language back to a "normal" alphabet was actually a nice change of pace. Nothing like learning a language that is totally pictorial in representation.

Latin has definitely helped me in English. I remember vaguely learning the parts of speech waaaay back in middle school, and what each is technically supposed to do. So when the grammar started coming out rather quickly I felt that for the most part it wasn't totally foriegn to me. I think the hardest thing honestly is the scary cases. (I think that will be my "self-study for the winter break!) I also liked being able to see some of the connections to Roman Literature that I have covered in other classes, being a Classics major you tend to see a lot of translated pieces. So I really had alot of fun getting to translate the story of Troy and of Aeneas meeting (and eventually leaving) Dido. Looking foward to Latin II!

Semper,
Candis B.

Illuminated Manuscripts

Inspired by Shannon's post, here is a photobucket site showing medieval manuscripts in Latin. Take a peak at the illustrations--they are really quite extraordinary. I am so grateful to all those medieval monks who spent long hours transmitting the ancient texts to us! For some reason, the middle ages seem to me more ancient and distant than classical antiquity....

Here is the site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85009674@N00/tags/illuminatedmanuscript/

Latin over the past couple months

Latin may be a "dead" language, but I am so glad I choose it to fulfill my language requirement! I wasn't sure how much I would get out of it, but it has turned out so well. I am a history major (emphasis on medieval studies) so even a very simple understanding of Latin has helped me already! Alot of historian authors quote Latin texts with no translation, but I've found I can get a basic understanding of most Latin quotations now.
Also, I think Latin will provide a great basis for going on to learn other languages. The similarities between Latin and Spanish are obvious, and I defintely need to learn Spanish (my boyfriend's family is Cuban!).


Shannon Murray

Quick question...

"Vicissim" is an adverb, right? I can't seem to find confirmation one way or the other online right now and it's bugging me. I must know!


I ask because a friend was showing me these handmade beads, one of which is inscribed:


"Lux et umbra vicissim, sed semper amore."


Light and shadows by turns, but always love.


~Rachael