19 Benefits of Studying Latin
1
Gateway to Western Civilization
Latin serves as the gateway to the rich heritage of Western civilization, offering profound insights into literature, philosophy, and culture.
2
Critical Thinking and
Problem-Solving Skills
Mastering Latin fosters critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities essential for academic success and professional growth.
3
Ease of Learning
Dorothy Sayers, a renowned English novelist, argues that a rudimentary knowledge of Latin reduces the labor of learning other subjects by at least 50%, facilitating the acquisition of diverse skills and knowledge.
4
Enhanced Writing Skills
Studying Latin enhances writing proficiency by instilling an appreciation for language structure and precision, leading to more articulate and effective communication.
5
Vocabulary Expansion
With over 65% of English words derived from Latin roots, students effortlessly expand their vocabulary and linguistic fluency, facilitating better comprehension and expression.
“It took Latin to thrust me into bona fide words in their true meaning. Learning Latin fed my love for words upon words in continuation and modification, and the beautiful, sober, accretion of a sentence.”
Eudora Welty, the celebrated American author acclaimed for her mastery of the short story form, renowned for her evocative prose, keen insights into human nature, and profound exploration of the complexities of Southern life
6
Academic Excellence
Latin students consistently outperform their peers on standardized tests, achieving higher scores in English vocabulary and reading exams, positioning them for academic distinction.
7
Foundation for Language Learning
Latin serves as the foundation for understanding Romance languages like Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, facilitating language acquisition and fluency.
8
Scientific and Medical Terminology
Latin roots form the basis of scientific and medical terminology, providing a universal language for precise communication in these fields.
“Latin clinical terminology is the result of the centuries-old history of world medical development, which provides a neutral ground for medical professionals from different countries. Moreover, Latin and Latinized Greek are productive tools for coining new terms.”
Journal of Medical Case Reports, Vol. 12
9
Standardized Test Success
Latin students consistently achieve higher scores on standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, MCAT, and LSAT, reflecting superior linguistic proficiency and analytical skills.
10
Higher College GPA
Latin students exhibit higher grade point averages in college compared to students of other languages, indicating academic rigor and excellence.
11
Admissions Advantage
Admissions officers at top universities value Latin proficiency, recognizing it as a testament to rigorous academics and intellectual curiosity.
12
Historical and Cultural Appreciation
Latin offers insight into the historical and cultural roots of modern society, fostering a deeper appreciation for literature, art, and governance.
13
Legal and Philosophical Discourse
Many terms in law, government, philosophy, and logic originate from Latin, enhancing proficiency in legal and intellectual discourse.
14
Influence on Modern Language
Latin phrases and mottos permeate modern language, highlighting its enduring influence and relevance in everyday expressions and institutions.
15
Inspirational Figures
Many influential figures throughout history, including philosophers, authors, and world leaders, attribute their success to their study of Latin and classical civilization.
16
Global Scientific Language
Latin remains the global language of science, providing a standardized framework for naming species and concepts in various scientific disciplines.
17
Cultural Legacy
Latin literature and philosophy continue to inspire contemporary thought and creativity, enriching our understanding of human nature and society.
18
Intellectual Development
Studying Latin cultivates intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, empowering students to engage critically with the world around them.
19
Personal Growth
The study of Latin transcends academic achievement, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Latin: The Key to Intellectual Enlightenment - Jefferson's Testimony
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence, was deeply indebted to his father for introducing him to Latin. This linguistic legacy not only enriched his intellectual pursuits but also had a profound impact on his life.
Jefferson held deep appreciation for the gift of Latin bestowed upon him by his father. Reflecting on his profound gratitude, Jefferson eloquently expressed:
"...to read the Latin authors in their original is a sublime luxury…I thank on my knees him who directed my early education for having put into my possession this rich source of delight: and I would not exchange it for any thing which I could then have acquired and have not since acquired."
Latin became an invaluable treasure in his life. Jefferson's reverence for Latin extended beyond mere academic pursuit; it was a source of profound delight and intellectual enrichment. His sentiments underscore the enduring value of Latin as a cornerstone of education, elevating the mind and spirit with its timeless wisdom and beauty.
Linguistic Legacy:
Unveiling the Power of Latin
Did you know that about 80% of the vocabulary in five Romance languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian, traces its origins back to Latin? These languages, which have evolved from Latin over centuries with some influence from local tongues, are essentially descendants of the ancient language. By learning Latin, you're not just mastering one language but laying the foundation for understanding six languages at once. Imagine the doors of communication opening wide as you grasp the roots of words shared by millions across 27 countries for French, 20 countries for Spanish, and 10 countries each for Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian.
Latin Leap: Elevating Academic Success Across the Board
Boosting Vocabulary Skills
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a study revealed that 4th to 6th-grade students who received 15 to 20 minutes of daily Latin instruction for a year showed significant improvement. Their performance on the Vocabulary Subtest of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) was a full year higher than that of their peers who did not study Latin. This indicates that even a short period of Latin instruction can substantially enhance vocabulary skills, providing clear academic benefits.
Boosting Reading Skills
In Washington, D.C., elementary school students studying Latin made notable progress in their reading skills compared to their peers. These students were five months ahead in reading skills compared to those who did not study any foreign language and four months ahead of those who studied French or Spanish. Remarkably, just two years earlier, these students had been excluded from foreign language classes due to poor reading performance. This demonstrates Latin instruction's transformative impact on literacy development, especially for students who previously struggled academically.
Boosting Overall Academic Skills
In Indianapolis, Indiana, a study involving 6th-grade students who spent 30 minutes daily on Latin instruction over five months showed significant academic gains across various subjects. These students advanced nine months in math problem-solving abilities. Additionally, they experienced substantial improvements in other areas: an eight-month gain in world knowledge, a one-year leap in reading skills, a four-month improvement in language proficiency, a four-month enhancement in spelling accuracy, a five-month stride in science comprehension, and a seven-month leap in social studies understanding. These findings highlight the broad benefits of incorporating Latin instruction into the middle school curriculum.
Leveraging Latin: Maximizing Test Scores Across the Board
Boosting SAT Scores
Studies conducted by the College Board reveal that Latin students consistently achieve the highest scores among all language and non-language learners. From 1996 to 2009, Latin students experienced an impressive average increase of 162 points on the SAT Verbal section in two separate studies. Additionally, data from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) confirms the superiority of Latin learners, consistently outperforming their peers on the Verbal section of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).
Boosting GRE Scores
In studies conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) spanning from 1999 to 2008, Latin majors emerged as top performers in the GRE Verbal Section among all 270 majors. Not only did Latin majors consistently achieve the highest scores in the Verbal Section, but they also outperformed all other language majors in the GRE Math Section. Latin majors excelled with an impressive 68.6% scoring 160-170 in Verbal Reasoning, 20.1% scoring in the same range for Quantitative Reasoning, and 59.2% achieving scores between 4.5-6 in Analytical Writing. Compared to other language majors, including German, French, and Spanish, Latin majors consistently demonstrated superior performance across all sections of the GRE.
Boosting MCAT Scores
A study conducted by the Department of Biology at Creighton University revealed that college students studying Latin and Greek achieved remarkable results. These students not only scored the highest on the MCAT Verbal Section but also outperformed Chemistry majors on the MCAT Biology Section and surpassed Biology majors on both the MCAT Biology and Physics Sections. Furthermore, Latin students boasted an impressive 50% acceptance rate into medical school, underscoring the significant advantage of Latin and Greek studies for aspiring medical professionals.
Boosting LSAT Scores
In a study by Pepperdine Law School Professor Derek Muller, college students focusing on Latin achieved exceptional results. With an average LSAT score of 159.8 and a college GPA of 3.477, Latin students surpassed their peers in both categories. According to The National Jurist (April 2014), individuals with the highest LSAT scores and grade point averages often pursued studies in the Classics during their college years.
18
Intellectual Development
Studying Latin cultivates intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, empowering students to engage critically with the world around them.
LATIN: Enhancing University Prospects
Admissions officials from universities and liberal arts colleges agree that Latin proficiency can enhance your college application.
“There are so few students learning Latin these days that it can help college applicants…Latin can end up tipping the student into the class.”
William Fitzsimmons
Dean of Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Aid
"A background in Latin provides students with a stronger English vocabulary. Open any SAT prep book and you will see a crash course in Latin in the vocab section."
Andrea Thomas
Assistant Dean of Admission
“The study of Roman culture which typically accompanies Latin study informs the study of any Western literature, art, or culture as well…If Latin were dead, every Western culture and language would be also bereft of life.”
Matthew Potts
Admissions Counselor
"We consider students who study Latin seriously (with strong, steady performance) to be excellent candidates for Bryn Mawr."
Elizabeth Mosier
Acting Director of Admissions
“Latin trains abstract thinking, provides a key to all modern Romance languages, is a model for interdisciplinary study (language, history, culture) and can be a lot of fun.”
Michael C. Behnke
Vice President for Enrollment
"We value the study of Latin very highly, at least on par with other languages.”
Steve LeMenager
Director of Admission
& Associate Dean
"Latin is the key to the vocabulary and structure of the Romance languages and to the structure of all the Teutonic languages, as well as the technical vocabulary of all the sciences and to the literature of the entire Mediterranean civilization."
Dorothy Sayers, renowned English author and member of the Inklings, a literary group that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien