Why Latin Is Important

“Why Latin?” It’s a phrase I hear commonly with every Latin class I take, and it is emphasized to stress the significance of this dead language. So, why take Latin? Throughout my five years of Latin I have heard many reasons ranging from vocabulary to SAT scores, but in this essay, I will discuss the four most important reasons to take Latin. Throughout my years of Latin, I have learned the meaning of various Latin phrases that appear throughout the English language. I have a deeper understanding of the elements on the periodic table because their name is derived from the Latin language. I am also able to understand the meaning of phrases like “semper fidelis” and other important phrases. My high school Latin teacher constantly stressed phrases like this to help me understand the universality of Latin. By having this knowledge because of Latin, I have a deeper understanding of English culture. This depth of understanding continues into English vocabulary. Because of Latin, I am able to break down a complex word that an average person would blankly stare at. The knowledge of vocabulary that I have gained
Although it may seem basic and simple, there is much more depth to this phrase. Colleges and employers know that Latin is a language that allows you to adapt and learn quickly. A Latin student can learn any romance language in an instant because of its derivation from Latin. Latin also allows for many opportunities to excel. For instance, in high school, I was able to take the national etymology exam, the national Latin exam, and the national vocabulary exam; through these tests I earned nationally recognized medals and achievements that set me apart from other students that did not take and excel in Latin. Because of this, Latin has aided me in making it into many colleges and has set me apart, displaying that colleges and employers have a reverence for the Latin language and those who understand