| Trevor,
I'm not sure if you're are joking or not, but I would like to address your concern nonetheless.
Latin will increase one's ability to learn other languages. I remember starting Latin during my second year of German study, and it greatly increased my understanding of how German works making it remarkably easier (most of the students in my German class struggled with the grammar-I didn't). Not to mention, Latin helped me to better my understanding of English/language grammar. I had an English grammar class, where we had to diagram sentences. Again, most of the students struggled-I didn't. Since then, I've learned classical Greek (I rarely had to spend time studying the grammar), biblical Greek, and Hebrew; I'm doing quite well in Hebrew now, which would not have been the case had I not taken Latin. There are quite a few students at Westminster who are struggling with Hebrew, and the students, who aren't having difficulty, spend a lot more time studying than I do. I'm also taking French this summer, and I'm sure that I'll experience the same. Latin is an essential bed-rock for further study of other languages, even for non-Romance languages like those that you suggest. To be successful in general language study, an individual needs a robust understanding of grammar. Latin provides that. I wish that I took it when I was a young lad.
Furthermore, my ability to communicate lucidly, creatively and persuasively, both in the written and spoken word, has improved immensely. I noticed a big difference in the grades that I was receiving on my papers and essay tests, sometimes wowing my professors with varied vocabulary and sophisticated argumentation. Yes, Latin has even helped me to think logically, to be more adept at solving problems, to be analytical and to appreciate the reason for well-constructed sentences.
Academically, it has opened many doors that would have been unavailable to me. I've contacted numerous professors in different fields in the academy, and they think highly of students who've studied Latin. They have even said that it would increase my chances of getting into prestigious programs around the country and abroad. It is a marker of intelligence.
Although more could be offered in defense of the study of Latin, I'll give it a rest after I advance one last point. It has made me more humble. It has opened my mind up to a world that is much grander and greater than I am. It has introduced me to men who have said some pretty outstanding things. Standing among the likes of Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Ceasar, Vergil, I must hesitate before I overestimate myself.
I hope that you all teach your children Latin. They'll thank you in the end. You'll thank yourself. |