The Top 4 Modern Uses of Latin

Guest Blog by Katie Wilson.

The Top 4 Modern Uses of Latin

Latin is one of the most difficult languages to learn, especially in modern society.  Most find that there is no longer a need for Latin unless you are in the medical field or the classics.  This dead language is actually the cornerstone of our modern-day English language (even society) and therefore deserves to be studied more than it has been as of late.  Latin is a beautiful language and is the building block upon which came Spanish, French, English, and most of the Western “Romance” languages.

• The roots of many words are Latin

Unbeknownst to many in present-day society, most of our words derive from older, Latin words which were created centuries ago.  For example, abdicate comes from the Latin word abdico, which also has different conjugations of abdicare, abdicavi, and abdicates.  It is helpful to students of linguistics, or even students in general, to understand where certain vocabulary words come from, in order for them to grasp the full meaning and background of the word.  When learning Latin, these cognate-type words are helpful in retaining more of the vocabulary.

• Currency

Our forefathers were well-schooled in Latin, and therefore chose to use different phrases to place on the backs of coins as well as on bills in circulation. How many people know the story or correct definition of e pluribus unum or annuit coeptis?  These are some of the lasting mottos of our country and every citizen should be approached to learn the full meanings of at least these phrases.

• Quid Pro Quo

Phrases such as this have become increasingly mainstream in our communities and in order to determine what is being said, you need to have a basic understanding and history of the phrase.  There are many such phrases that have wormed their way into common circulation around the country, and it is easier to comprehend these phrases once you have at least some knowledge of Latin engrained within.  Graduation ceremonies contain many various Latin phrases, with the words in absentia used when a student does not attend, or magnum cum laude, which indicates a student of great honors.

• Abbrevs.

Standard modern day abbreviations have their roots in Latin as well.  Every mass-used abbreviation comes from a previous Latin phrase: etc. is “et cetera”, r.i.p. is “requiem in pace”, e.g. is “exempli gratia”, and so on.  This is a part of everyday Latin usage which many people are unaware of.  How many people know the true definition behind A.M. and P.M. (anti meridian and post meridian)?  And how many people understand the meanings behind these definitions to mean before noon and after noon?

A good starter course in Latin would work wonders on any person in modern day society hoping to get ahead in the world.  It is a language that transgresses time and has the ability to mold into any language as it remains the founding block for every “romance” language.  A deeper understanding of Latin can even result in an easier grasp of all its sub-languages across Europe.

This post was contributed by Katie Wilson, who writes about the universities online. She welcomes your feedback at KatieWilson06 at gmail.com

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Marty Meets: Tony Buzan

Just occasionally, you get the chance to meet one of your heroes. Over a decade ago, the author of this blog used Tony Buzan’s accelerated learning techniques to amaze his A level teachers and get into his first choice university. Last year, at the launch of the Join Martin language learning challenge, I got the chance to interview learning expert and world famous author, Tony Buzan about language learning and the launch of his new Collins Language Revolution product range.

How did you come up with the idea of combining Mind-Maps with language learning?

The Collins Language Revolution product range was created as a result of a giant Mind-Map. Many people have come up to me during my lecture tours and told me that they can’t learn a language. The irony is that, in order to tell me that, they first had to learn a language. It was during the lecture tours that people started asking me how to apply Mind-Maps to language learning and, when Collins approached me about launching a product range, the idea blossomed.

We started with French, Spanish and Italian editions, as these are the most requested languages. Beginner level editions have been released first but intermediate and advanced versions will follow soon. In time, we’ll be expanding the range to feature: German, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Portuguese.  Learning a language isn’t just about learning what to say when you go on holiday. It gives you the opportunity to meet the multi-linguists in your neighbourhood and the Collins Language Revolution range will give you all the tools you need to get started.

When learning a language, is it best to start young?

Yes. After all, a baby is the best language learner on the planet. But the truth is: anyone can learn a language. I’m over 60 and I’m still learning. The essence of the product range is that anyone can do it. Why would evolution design a brain that stopped learning languages; that stopped learning to communicate with people? The only thing that stops some people is: atrophy. They’ve got out of the habit of learning. The good news is: the Collins Language Revolution range makes language learning easy and gives you the tools you need to learn anything and improve your knowledge.

What are your thoughts on language learning in schools?

Teachers have, in my opinion, been asked to teach languages the wrong way round. They’ve been asked to follow the traditional approach to language learning. That approach starts off with ‘key words’. What follows next is: ‘connections’ and then it’s on to ‘associations’ and ‘complex grammar’. The worst part is: making mistakes is classed as a: ‘bad thing’. People become frightened of making even the smallest errors and this tends to create stress in the learning environment.

You’ve got to learn to laugh at yourself when you’re learning a language. We all make mistakes. I make mistakes. Whilst learning Spanish, I had difficulty in rolling my r’s for a while but that didn’t stop me learning. In the Collins Language Revolution approach, we want you to make mistakes.

If you step outside the classroom and chat to people in the language you’re learning, it’s fun and a good idea to make mistakes. People don’t speak in perfect grammar. Making mistakes and laughing about it shows that you are strong enough mentally to have a sense of humour about yourself. If you go to a foreign country and want to chat-up or flirt with someone who speaks the language you’re learning, you’re bound to make mistakes and that’s ok. So long as you have a sense of humour about it. Remember: humour is the most seductive thing in the world.

Learning a language is no longer compulsory for children in UK schools once they reach the GCSE option stage. What are your views on this?

Language learning should be a significantly important part of any modern education system. It just shouldn’t be a stressful experience. The traditional approach has focused on things going wrong and this has led to pressure and stress amongst pupils. If you were to write a two thousand word essay and make only a few spelling errors, you’d probably get the essay back after marking and discover the words: “spelling errors” written all over it. A much more encouraging response from the essay marker would be: “Spellings: 1980 out of 2000. Well done. Great achievement. Here’s how to correct those errors”. Language learning should be a positive experience.

Could you tell me more about the online support available for users of the Collins Language Revolution range?

Yes. Some language learning products cut the learner adrift. You’re given the product and expected to go off and learn on your own. The online support for the Language Revolution range creates a sort of Mind-Map family. A learning club. People can chat to one another about language learning, chat to each other in the language they are learning, discuss accelerated learning, practice their learning skills, get product support and, if they wish to, develop friendships with fellow learners. The product range will evolve as a result of the feedback we get from the online support area and forum. Purchase the product and head to www.collinslanguagerevolution.com for more information.

Is the Language Revolutions range suitable for business travellers?

Yes. After all, I am a businessman and I travel.  The learner gets the tools they need to demonstrate their grasp of the language and their intelligence. The Language Revolution range gives the business traveller all they need to chat in the language they’re learning, ask questions, order in a restaurant or hotel, book tickets and so much more.

Finally, do you have any advice for me whilst I’m on my language learning challenge?

Yes. Learn one language at a time. If you’ve got into the rhythm of Spanish and you suddenly whip over into French, your brain will take time to move modalities. Have a sense of humour about yourself, enjoy making mistakes and you’ll be sure to get the most out of the learning experience. Good luck with it.

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Marty Meets: Rhona Foulis

Photo Credit: Fatimah Namdar

Rhona’s Spotlight Link

Sometimes, language learning can take you to exotic places and enrich other people’s lives as much as your own. Rhona Foulis tells her story:

Hi, Rhona. Would you like to introduce yourself?

I am an actress, English tutor and theatre reviewer. Having graduated with a First Class Honours degree in English and Drama, I worked in the theatre industry for four years before training as an actress.

Did you have a natural talent for language learning at school?

I find learning languages fairly easy because I’m fascinated by words and the ways in which we communicate with each other. I’m definitely an arts rather than a science person.

Has being able to speak more than one language helped you in your career?

I’m not sure whether my Spanish and French have directly helped me in my career. They probably would have proven more useful if I’d become fluent, but the acting took over after my A Levels.

Learning a language is no longer compulsory (in the UK) for schoolchildren once they reach the GCSE options stage. What are your views on this? Do you think children should be encouraged to learn a language at school? What can be done to make children enjoy learning a language?

It’s really sad that children aren’t encouraged to learn languages. We suffer from serious linguistic complacency in this country, assuming the universality of English, which is very ignorant. Undoubtedly, it’s easier for people to learn languages if it’s encouraged from a younger age; then learning language becomes synonymous with discovering the world, rather than a classroom lesson. Beyond childhood, visiting the host country is ultimately the best way to learn.

You taught English as a foreign language to children in South India. What was your experience of teaching in South India like and how did you get involved in teaching English as a foreign language?

Having graduated from university and undertaken several theatre internships, it felt as though I was at a turning point. I decided to make the most of not having any fixed responsibilities by travelling. In my last year at school, we were given a talk by a man who set up an orphanage in South India, the King’s World Trust for Children. Having lived in the Middle East and travelled extensively as a child, he whetted my appetite for an Indian adventure! I wanted to do some voluntary work and thought teaching English would be the best option for me. The tiny village school in Tamil Nadu was like nothing I’d ever seen before – almost like a mud hut – and there were very different methods of disciplining the children. The classrooms were pretty chaotic and full, but you soon learn ways to keep the children interested and engaged.

You’re an actress, an English and Drama tutor and a theatre reviewer. Where does you passion for the theatre come from?

I don’t know! I was hooked after my first performance during a school assembly, aged 10. My passion developed through further opportunities at school and Scottish Youth Theatre.

Have you ever directed a play?

I’ve never directed anything. However, it’s certainly something that I imagine doing in the future, once I’ve had more acting experience, feel more knowledgeable about the theatre and confident in my choices.

As a reviewer, is it hard to write critically about other actors and actresses work when you’ve got first hand experience of how hard the actors work and how much effort goes into staging a production?

No, I think it’s interesting to apply an actor’s perspective to a critical review of a performance, as long as that’s not your only perspective. A reviewer should also consider production values, direction, the writing etc.

Would you agree that Drama and the Theatre Arts are great tools for helping people to overcome the language barrier and communicate with each other? Can Drama and the Theatre bring different sections of the community together?

Absolutely. The structure of the theatre industry itself is traditionally elitist (unfeasibly high ticket prices) and the national curriculum doesn’t give nearly enough value or importance to the arts. However, drama itself is all about people, team work and communication – fantastic tools.

Which would you rather have: critical acclaim or fame?

Critical acclaim over fame. However, I don’t think that either is particularly important to me. What’s important is being able to do work that I enjoy and feel challenged by.

If someone wanted to hire you for English or Drama tuition, how could they do that?

I’m happy for anyone to email me at rhonafoulis@hotmail.com.

What are you working on career wise at the moment?

I’m performing in an exciting, improvisational performance with Fluxx Productions.  “Night, London” runs for the first three weeks in March at the Tristan Bates Theatre.

Finally, what do you think of my language learning challenge? Have I bitten off more than I can chew or is it really possible to learn many languages in just 1 year?

In some ways, the more languages you learn, the easier they are to learn. You can begin to make connections between languages and common grammatical rules. But there’s a danger of mixing them up in brain overload!

See the Marty Meets: Rhona Foulis interview on the Up & Coming Talent Blog.

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