Why Latin Is Important

“Why Latin?” It’s a phrase I hear commonly with every Latin class I take, and it is emphasized to stress the significance of this dead language. So, why take Latin? Throughout my five years of Latin I have heard many reasons ranging from vocabulary to SAT scores, but in this essay, I will discuss the four most important reasons to take Latin. Throughout my years of Latin, I have learned the meaning of various Latin phrases that appear throughout the English language. I have a deeper understanding of the elements on the periodic table because their name is derived from the Latin language. I am also able to understand the meaning of phrases like “semper fidelis” and other important phrases. My high school Latin teacher constantly stressed phrases like this to help me understand the universality of Latin. By having this knowledge because of Latin, I have a deeper understanding of English culture. This depth of understanding continues into English vocabulary. Because of Latin, I am able to break down a complex word that an average person would blankly stare at. The knowledge of vocabulary that I have gained
from taking Latin could not have been supplemented in any other way. Because of its close relation to English, Latin is an amazing tool for understanding complex text. Because of Latin, I was able to improve my reading scores and AP test scores throughout high school because I did not fumble over complex vocabulary like other students. From a college’s and employer’s perspective, Latin looks good.
Although it may seem basic and simple, there is much more depth to this phrase. Colleges and employers know that Latin is a language that allows you to adapt and learn quickly. A Latin student can learn any romance language in an instant because of its derivation from Latin. Latin also allows for many opportunities to excel. For instance, in high school, I was able to take the national etymology exam, the national Latin exam, and the national vocabulary exam; through these tests I earned nationally recognized medals and achievements that set me apart from other students that did not take and excel in Latin. Because of this, Latin has aided me in making it into many colleges and has set me apart, displaying that colleges and employers have a reverence for the Latin language and those who understand
it. Furthermore, Latin teachers are the most dedicated of any teacher. My high school Latin teacher is the most dedicated teacher I have ever had. She has aided me through preparing for college and has pushed me to succeed and excel like no other teacher ever has. She has used her passion to drive me to succeed in ways I never thought I could and has allowed me to make it into schools I never thought I would. I get emails and posters from colleges every day beseeching me to apply for their educational program. I know for a fact that I would not have a chance of making it into half of those programs if it wasn’t for Latin and the national recognized honor it has helped me achieve. In conclusion Latin is a language I believe every well-rounded student must take. It allows for a greater understanding of the English language, looks impressive to employers and colleges, and Latin teachers are the most passionate teachers. Latin is a language that provides a pathway to success and without Latin a scholar is incomplete.