Improving Vocabulary
The study of Latin and Greek as languages offers great benefits to students' general understanding of how languages work, including their own first language. One benefit of study classical language is that it helps build English vocabulary. About 60% of English words come from Latin and Greek, and Greek and Latin is the source of 90% of English words over two syllables. To illustrate this point, below is the preamble of the United States Constitution. The words in red are derived directly from Latin and Greek.
Linguistic Benefits of Classical Languages
Language itself is perhaps one of the greatest marvels of the human mind. Every time we speak, write, or read, we combine tens of thousands of words in a myriad of different ways to convey ideas, all without much effort or thought. Through language we can relate and obtain information, ingrain an image, or even elicit emotions. Latin and Greek are traditionally taught in a way that forces students to understand precisely how each word function in the structure of the sentence. Rather than focusing solely on the meaning of texts, students examine how word order, social contexts of words, and the implementation of rhetorical devices all affect language in use. This ability to discern how language works is a skill not only applicable to Classical studies, but also other academic subjects, professional careers, and everyday life.
LATIN & GREEK DERIVATIVES
IN THE PREAMBLE
TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for
the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
The result is that Latin and Greek students excel in reading and writing skills both in the classroom and in the work place. As evidence, these students on average consistently score higher in the verbal section of standardized test like the SAT shown on the right.
Latin Italian Spanish French English
unus uno uno un one
duo due dos deux two
tres tre tres trois three
pater padre padre pere father
mater madre madre mere mother
me me me me me
Latin not only increases English vocabulary, but many other modern languages. Romance Languages, such as French, Spanish, Italian, Portugese, and Romanian, all originate from classical Latin. In addition, Latin and Greek languages involve the use of noun cases which are a part of many Germanic languages. Studying classical languages builds a strong foundation for understanding of how languages work, which can open the door to many multilinguistic learning experiences.
Modern Languages
Learning Difficulties
Learning any Foreign Language requires the mastery of three components of language: phonology (auditory system), syntax (grammar system), and semantics (word and phrase meaning). Researchers have found that most Foreign Language learners struggle with phonology. They have difficulty recognizing sounds of a language and comprehending meaning. Because Latin and Greek place emphasis on reading and translating rather than hearing and speaking, many students with learning difficulties have much success in these classes. The fact that they are mostly exposed not only to the sounds but also the sight of the language is a great benefit to students. (Gruber-Miller, When Dead Tongues Speak)