Give me a justification for learning Latin

[samfrances]

I have wanted to learn Latin for a while. I don't know why, something about the language appeals. I think its something to do with the elegance of the case system, I don't know, plus I like the way it sounds (when I have heard it recorded with the reconstructed classical pronunciation). However, given the time and effort involved, I have never been able to justify it to myself, especially when you can't speak to anyone in the language, or access many forms of media (other than ancient writings). I thought a recent interest in Stoicism might be my opening, but it turns out most of the ancient stoics wrote in Koine Greek, so no luck there.

Can anyone offer me a good justification for learning Latin?

[Iversen]

No.


Except if you can't stand the thought of not knowing it - which in itself would be justification enough.

F6038b07 _grafitti from Pompei.jpg

[白田龍]

If someone would like to have a very high level in four or more Romance languages, adding Latin is not a very big detour.

[T0NIN0]

Almost all scientific, philosophical, theological and historical books for the last 2 thousand years were written in Latin. Most of which are still not translated, including many famous books.

[samfrances]

Almost all scientific, philosophical, theological and historical books for the last 2 thousand years were written in Latin. Most of which are still not translated, including many famous books.

Can you give me some examples?

[Deinonysus]

Some people may say "because it's cool and I like it" isn't a good reason to learn a language, but in my opinion it's the best reason.

I've been working harder on Inuktitut that any other language because I'm having so much fun doing it. With French or German, which are infinitely more practical, learning grammar was a chore to get out of the way so I could use the language.

With Inuktitut, learning the grammar is the fun part. It's like reading a great mystery novel. How do you create a sentence with a definite direct object, where the verb uses one suffix to agree with both the subject and the object and a mysterious "ergative" case marking is used on the subject? Stay tuned for the next episode!

Since you seem very interested in Latin for the sake of Latin, I think you'll find that you make better progress and have more fun than if you were learning an easier or more practical language.

[tarvos]

If you need a justification, Latin isn't for you.

[Ccaesar]

Think of three compelling reasons YOU want to learn it. Why it would be an addition to YOUR life. Inner motivation is key, if you hate what you're doing you might as well stop doing it.
Personally I would like to read texts by Caesar in his own words and not translated.

[tungemål]

Singing in choir.

I became interested in Latin many years ago after having sung classical music as a choir member. Choir music often uses Latin texts - one prominent example is the Requiem mass: "Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis." et cetera.

[lingua]

I always wanted to learn Latin and Greek because I've had an interest in word etymology since my high school years. I have dabbled in Latin for several years but have no intention of doing anything more than reading in it. Eventually I'll pick up Greek but probably not until I retire since it's more of a time commitment.

I enjoy the process of seeing how words evolved from Latin to English as well as all of the romance languages I'm currently studying. Still I don't think you need a justification for learning any language. Desire is reason enough.