Has anyone ever taken Latin?

KristinWW · Oct 8, 2005

I had one year in high school and 3 semesters in college. Every now and then I'll find a word in which it helps, but for the most part, I wish I had taken Spanish. At one point I studied to be a paralegal, and I found Latin helped much more in the legal field.

cpillow · Oct 8, 2005

Took Latin for 3 years in junior high. It was one of those "smartest decisions I've ever made" choices! It really helped me get a firm grasp on the roots of the English language. And, it made deciphering medical terminology much easier. Go for it!!!!

Altalorraine · Oct 8, 2005

I am thinking of taking a latin course soon, and wondered if any one has taken latin? Somuch of medical and legal is comprised of latin, thought it would be interesting. Any thoughts?

Latin is good for your brain. You should take it in order to be a well-educated person (and to be a top-notch grammarian). That said, you don't need to take Latin to understand medical terminology. If you want to take a language with very a concrete, practical application take Spanish.

Rain

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Oct 8, 2005

I wouldn't bother trying to learn Latin as a language, but rather just medical terminology. I'm sure you'll never use it in conversation. If you take the class, they might just focus on conversational Latin, and you probably won't learn medical terms. So I would just grab a book that specifically deals with medical terms. A Latin medical terminology translation, I guess. Check Amazon.com.

Latin is not meant to be used "conversationally".

Latin is a study of the MIND.

It was mandatory where I went to school, and I am glad of it ! It is, as mentioned above, stimulating to the mind and the thought processes. To me, I found it to be akin to learning advanced mathematics. It teaches one to THINK.

If you want a "language" class, go for a language.. French, Spanish, German, you name it.

If you want to learn to think critically and use all the higher capacities of the brain, take Latin.

Latin is not meant for "conversation". Nor is it taught as such.

GrnHonu99, RN · Oct 9, 2005

Latin is not meant to be used "conversationally".
Latin is a study of the MIND.
It was mandatory where I went to school, and I am glad of it ! It is, as mentioned above, stimulating to the mind and the thought processes. To me, I found it to be akin to learning advanced mathematics.teaches one to THINK.
If you want a "language" class, go for a language.. French, Spanish, German, you name it.
If you want to learn to think critically and use all the higher capacities of the brain, take Latin.
Latin is not meant for "conversation". Nor is it taught as such.

agreed. What do they always say about Latin? It's the educated man's language? I took 3 years in HS and 3 semesters in college...the basics are pretty easy but when it comes to translating the classics..watch out!

OriginalWmn · Oct 9, 2005

I am thinking of taking a latin course soon, and wondered if any one has taken latin? Somuch of medical and legal is comprised of latin, thought it would be interesting. Any thoughts?

Ego amo latinam.

I took two years of latin in high school and have a mother who teaches latin. I found latin helpful with medical terms. Learning any language is intellectually stimulating, but I think latin helps with learning additional languages. Also it's just cool to go to Rome and be able to translate Latin phrases on the monuments and buildings.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Oct 9, 2005

Ego amo latinam.
I took two years of latin in high school and have a mother who teaches latin. I found latin helpful with medical terms. Learning any language is intellectually stimulating, but I think latin helps with learning additional languages. Also it's just cool to go to Rome and be able to translate Latin phrases on the monuments and buildings.

Thanx for the memories.... :chuckle .. no matter where we went on vacation, sis and I always ended up having to translate all the latin inscriptions on monuments and statues upon our Dad's insistence.

"But Daddy, school's out, we're on VACATION............................. !" (in our whiniest voices) :rolleyes:

ARLadyRN · Oct 9, 2005

Take Spanish!!!! This is what you will need when you get out. Latin is a dead language and it didn't help all that much.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Oct 9, 2005

Take Spanish!!!! This is what you will need when you get out. Latin is a dead language and it didn't help all that much.

Again.. this would depend on what she purposes to USE it for.

As a "language" (conversational), no.

As a marvelous tool to excercise the mind , absolutely! :)

Certainly helps in formulating thought processes and learning to work things through. Always a bonus.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Oct 9, 2005

Latin is not meant to be used "conversationally".
Latin is a study of the MIND.
It was mandatory where I went to school, and I am glad of it ! It is, as mentioned above, stimulating to the mind and the thought processes. To me, I found it to be akin to learning advanced mathematics. It teaches one to THINK.
If you want a "language" class, go for a language.. French, Spanish, German, you name it.
If you want to learn to think critically and use all the higher capacities of the brain, take Latin.
Latin is not meant for "conversation". Nor is it taught as such.

I didn't know that. They didn't teach it in my high school.

I still wouldn't bother, lol. Of course, I don't plan to become a nurse, either.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Oct 9, 2005

I didn't know that. They didn't teach it in my high school.
I still wouldn't bother, lol. Of course, I don't plan to become a nurse, either.

It's good mental excercise regardless of one's career choice. Same as crossword puzzels...

Just good to keep the ol' brain stimulated. And it certainly does make one very aware of language in general.. if one has an interest in such things. :)