One of my earliest memories is going through my grandmother’s learning Latin book. On the first page her name and a poem, written in a very neat handwriting, goes more or less like this: “If this book come to be lost/ No doubt will also be found/ And for better being recognized/ It carries my name and my signature”. The second page shows a beautiful black and white picture of a roman teacher and his students in a roman palace.
Its already yellow pages show the passage of time, old like the language it teaches. They say that Latin is a dead language, that it is for ever gone like the roman culture. They may be wrong. Can a language like Latin truly die?
Latin is the parent of many modern languages, my own included. The roman structure holds my civilization – the roman law, the roman roads, roman bridges – all still very much in use, serving in modern days. Roman literature is also alive and serves us well. It teaches us the ways of the world, the ways of Man.
I’ve always nurtured a passion for Petronius, the roman philosopher who chose to be an outcast in the court of Nero. His values and principals were as firm as roman pillars – they still stand. His work can yet be read and studied but could and might be slowly changed by inaccurate translations. The best way to know a work is by reading the original. The safest way, I should say. And that is why I want to learn Latin. I want to read Mankind like it was, not like it is represented today. And by doing so, I shall encounter myself, the present and the future.
It is by learning what other people did and thought in the past that we learn about ourselves and this way we can better prepare our future. For as incredible and unimaginable as the past may be, it is as real as flesh and blood and must not be forgotten. "CREDANT POSTERI!" – May those who will come believe it was so.
Its already yellow pages show the passage of time, old like the language it teaches. They say that Latin is a dead language, that it is for ever gone like the roman culture. They may be wrong. Can a language like Latin truly die?
Latin is the parent of many modern languages, my own included. The roman structure holds my civilization – the roman law, the roman roads, roman bridges – all still very much in use, serving in modern days. Roman literature is also alive and serves us well. It teaches us the ways of the world, the ways of Man.
I’ve always nurtured a passion for Petronius, the roman philosopher who chose to be an outcast in the court of Nero. His values and principals were as firm as roman pillars – they still stand. His work can yet be read and studied but could and might be slowly changed by inaccurate translations. The best way to know a work is by reading the original. The safest way, I should say. And that is why I want to learn Latin. I want to read Mankind like it was, not like it is represented today. And by doing so, I shall encounter myself, the present and the future.
It is by learning what other people did and thought in the past that we learn about ourselves and this way we can better prepare our future. For as incredible and unimaginable as the past may be, it is as real as flesh and blood and must not be forgotten. "CREDANT POSTERI!" – May those who will come believe it was so.
You are right, Maria, they do say that Latin is a dead language, that it is forever gone like the Roman culture. You asked: "Can a language like Latin truly die?" I do not believe so, as long as there are inquisitive people like you who can and do ask that question.
ResponderEliminarMany years ago, I studied Latin for two years while in high school, a decision that was a personal choice and not a requirement. Indelible in my memory is the phrase that was written on the chalkboard by the instructor on the first day of class:
Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt.
~ Julius Caesar, De Bello Gallico, Book III, Ch. 18
The loose translation would be: "Nearly always people believe willingly that which they wish." It was phrases like this that kept my interest during those years, and encouraged me to explore where Latin is the parent of many modern languages, as you so wisely have pointed out.
In closing, I will leave you with this:
Rident stolidi verba Latina.
(Fools laugh at the Latin language.)
• John
Dear John, how beautiful your words are. I'm very happy to read you. You are absolutely right. Reading the quote Fere Libenter homines id quod volunt credunt, I once again realise that we humans of our days add very little to the wisdom of those who came before us. Bless you for your comment. Clara
ResponderEliminarClara, your words were a joy, as is your response here. I wish you luck in pursuing your studies, but the Internet is probably your best ally at this point. Just remember, it should be fun as well...
ResponderEliminarHabetis bona deum.
(Have a nice day!)
• John