Veni, Vidi, Vici
I had the luxury of studying Latin for three years. It was a wonderful experience, very
rich and deep. I loved reading and translating the Illyiad and the Odyssey. It lead to discussions about the Roman and Greek gods and mythology. And is still an unparalleled primer for vocabulary.
Bits of Latin knowledge still pop up here and there – I was at the Wickford Town Beach last summer and a Mom said to her tot, “Come on, Romulus, get in the car!” OK. This is great, I thought. Remus was not too far behind, I’m sure. I gave her a wink. She either thought I was a psycho or she knew I was on board with her thought process.
And translating is really fun – All roads lead to Rome, Ecce Homo,
Does anyone else ever lament. Wafna! Wafna! That’s the chorus in the Greek tragedy, Carmina Burana. And in Oedipus Rex. Also, a ballet, I think, I saw at PPAC. Where do you go for a support group of Latin groupies like me????
Do kids still study Latin? I know my own children were not offered Latin as an option. If it is not offered in schools, I wonder why not? It is the most wonderful learning tool ever. If I have a say as to what my tax dollars are spent on, let it be more studies of the ancient Romance languages and the antiquities.
Some would say that Latin is a ‘dead’ language. I disagree! All the Romance languages have their roots in those lovely Latin words. And the gods and goddesses who are so well-represented and involved in the literature still have messages and morals for us to take to heart today.
Everything uttered in Latin takes on a serious and somber tone, even pithy sayings and put-downs. Ipso facto. Nullo modo. Raptus regaliter.
It is funny and sad at the same time to me that this well-known Latin phrase (veni, vidi, vici) that Julius Caesar supposedly sent as a message to his Senate about his latest conquest, is now the website for video game aficionados!
And, if there is an adult group of Latin lovers out there, or people who read and discuss mythology, please let me know. I love Latin. And I am not talking about Salsa dancing. (although that is fun, too!)
PS. Buy the books, Silly Latin or Latin for All Occasions by Henry Beard. If you like words and language, you’ll love these books.
Labels: Languages, Latin, Rhode Island education, RI real estate, Susan Gustavson, veni, vici, vidi
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9:45 AM
4 Comments:
I am glad to say that I took one year of Latin in High School and still find myself looking for the Latin roots in words or use that brief Latin background to help define new words.
I came, I saw, I loved your blog
I,too,am very sad to see a decline in the humanities and languages educational opportunities. Maybe technology has taken their place? Surely, there is a place for both. Let's hope. You have inspired my husband and I to brush up on our Latin! I agree, it is a lucky student who has been exposed to Latin and mythology.
Hey Susan,
My son took Latin for two years at Rocky Hill and he loved it!! You are so right, it is the root of all Romance languages and a great learning tool. He switched schools this year, going to Prout, and he would have taken Latin, but they didn’t offer it so he took Italian.
Loved your blog.
Baci,
Cynthia
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