Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Top Ten Reasons To Take Latin

1) Impressive credentials for any kind of job!
2) "Because of its great breadth for embracing as it does logical thinking, precise analysis, lucid expression and with its overview of human thought and development, history, economics, business and politics, Classics constitutes the single best preparation in general sense for almost any of life's available pursuits!" -Founder of a middle school
3) "I appreciate having studied the Classics so much that I wish that I had the power to influence/persuade the curriculum writers in my district to make the study of Latin mandatory for all students who are seriously college bound. I see the study of Latin as one possible remedy for the plummeting SAT verbal scores." -English teacher
4) "Latin definitely has helped me. It implies some skills and character traits: attention to detail, knowledge of how languages work, good vocabulary, good writing skills, worldly outlook ...and maybe even wisdom." -Medical editor
5) "Classics taught me the value of discussion without argument; taught me to listen and appreciate other points of view." -Dentist
6) "I found law school a breeze because of the discipline and hard work habits I developed in Classics. My awareness of linguistic processes and details is a constant strength in reading, and thinking." -Law school/Texas Legislature
7) "...strong vocabulary and the ability to write, two qualities which are sorely lacking in many medical students. Practically any term in medicine comes from Latin or Greek, which allows me to memorize complicated words or phrases more easily." -Medical student
8) "Improved vocabulary, confidence in front of people, better writing techniques. Key item: The discipline I learned has been a critical success factor, especially in the U.S. Military." -Retired military
9) "Classics gives a perspective on life of beauty and greatness of the Roman and Greek cultures--arts, philosophy, literature, leadership, etc." -Owner of business consulting firm
10) "You acquire a certain logic and intuitive sense about language." -Newspaper editor

According to the results of the 2002 SAT scores the averages for the students of these languages were:
1)Latin: 666
2) French:637
3)Spanish:581
4)German:622

Obviously Latin is the root of all Romance languages, opening up students to the ability of being able to learn other languages at an exceedingly able rate. Because most words have Latin and Greek roots or prefixes, students are able to pick up the meanings of words faster, therefore giving them a way to score better on the language portion of the SAT's.

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1 comment:

Unknown said...

Forgot the most important reason: it's just cool.