Learn Latin at high school: 10 good reasons
Why is Latin still taught in high school, even though it is a “dead” language that is practically no longer spoken? Find out here why there are reasons to learn Latin, what is covered in class and why Latin is so useful in high school.
1. Latin does not cause pronunciation problems
Latin as a foreign language at high school has the great advantage that the language does not actually have to be spoken. That’s why even children who find it difficult to learn a foreign language can develop fun with Latin. The language of instruction is German and the focus is on translating from Latin into German. But your child does not need to be afraid of reading Latin texts or reciting vocabulary – the pronunciation and spelling are identical.
2. Latin helps to understand foreign words
Most foreign words and technical terms that we use in German come from Latin. When your child learns Latin at high school, they suddenly understand what terms like addition, exhibit, minimal, imitation, detonation, or transcendent mean. The Latin lessons also help your child to become more confident in their own mother tongue, because they learn to use foreign words correctly.
3. Latin helps in learning other foreign languages
All Romance languages such as Italian, Spanish, French or Portuguese are descended from the Latin language. If your child learns Latin in high school, not only will they be able to understand or read a word or two of these languages, they will also find it much easier to learn Italian or Spanish. The basic structures are similar to Latin. Find out here which foreign languages are taught at high school.
4. Latin improves reading skills
Latin students need to learn to look carefully and read carefully, because in Latin sometimes a word ending can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Carefulness, accuracy and concentration are repeatedly required and trained. Of course, your child will not only benefit from this in Latin lessons, but also in other subjects.
5. Latin for a better understanding of the language
Another important issue is grammar. Your child has to deal intensively with various grammatical structures and terms. This helps to understand how languages are structured and how they work. Your child can also understand the grammar of their own language better and use it more confidently.
6. Latin imparts knowledge about antiquity
The field of archeology also plays an important role in the subject of Latin at the Gymnasium. Your child learns exciting details about everyday life in antiquity, the culture of the ancient Romans and their world of gods and legends. Ancient history, art, science and politics are also discussed, so that your child can deepen their general knowledge.
7. Understand the cultural background of Europe
Latin has long been the language of science and religion. Many philosophical, legal and artistic topics were already dealt with in antiquity and in the Middle Ages and were written down in Latin. Such texts are also dealt with in Latin lessons so that your child can better understand the cultural background of Europe. Many topics, for example from ancient rhetoric – the art of presentation – or the Roman world of legends, are still of great importance in books and films of our time.
8. Latin conveys basic working techniques
In the subject Latin at the Gymnasium, basic working techniques are also taught. Your child not only learns to work in a concentrated manner and to pay attention to the little things, but also to think analytically, to learn independently and to interpret texts. As with learning any other foreign language, diligence, perseverance and patience are required for learning Latin at high school, because a lot of vocabulary, word endings and grammatical forms have to be memorized. Your child will also learn to use a dictionary and be creative with their own language when translating.
9. Understand original ancient texts
It is envisaged that high school Latin students will translate original Latin writings from antiquity and the Middle Ages as early as possible. This gives your child the opportunity to read texts that are hundreds or even thousands of years old. These are translated, discussed and analyzed. Your child can explore ancient norms and beliefs and compare them to their own.
10. Latin as a prerequisite for studying
Many courses, such as theology, medicine, art history, German, history or English, require knowledge of Latin. Anyone who has not learned Latin at high school then has to take a Latin course at the university alongside their studies and laboriously catch up on their Latinum.