Latin
Latin Roots
Why would anybody want to speak Latin? We do, all the time. Firstly, many English words have Latin roots, such as television. Wikipedia says:
The word television comes from Ancient Greek τῆλε (tèle), meaning 'far', and Latin visio, meaning 'sight'.
I have always known that the word was half Greek and half Latin but could not remember which half was which. Now I have a way to remember. The languages are simply in alphabetical order. Greek first, for tele, Latin second for visio.
I shall type it three times so that I and you can remember it.
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
In theory you can type it out three times to remember it. I used to do that.
I feel too tired to do that today. I would rather copy it quickly. If you are making yourself word lists and want to copy something three times to teach yourself, or a class, you only need to type it once. Copy, then paste it twice. If you need the practice, read it aloud three times.
Latin Phrases
Secondly, Latin words we use all the time are Latin. For example: Vice versa.
I looked up some lists of common Latin phrases:
Firstly, we use the terms a.m. and p.m. regularly for time, short for ante, before, and post, after, mid-day.
Post mortem (after death)
Here's a quick list of six, which you could reduce to five favourites to count off on the fingers of your left hand if you want to use them in a class or conversation.
Ad infinitum
Ad nauseam
Agenda
Alibi
Post mortem
Status quo
I would start with them alphabetically: A a.m. agenda, alibi, ad infinitum, ad nauseam. PS PM, post mortem, status quo.
If you work in law or medicine or read reports of trials you will come across many more technical terms.
Latin Quotations
You often, at least in the UK, hear people quoting what Julius Caesar is supposed to have said, to quickly raise moral of troops when he landed on British soil and tripped, VEN VIDI< VICI - I came, I saw, I conquered.
I learned Latin in School. Latin used to be used all the time in Catholic churches. I admit I was slightly peeved when Latin was dropped from Catholic services, although I am not Catholic. Learned Latin at school! Hey folks, let me keep up my Latin!
But I didn't waste my time learning Latin, now the church services and prayer books have dropped it. Latin is becoming more accessible for students and teachers, because people have translated popular books into Latin.
Dressing Children, Teachers, Guides And Adults As Romans
In addition to those interested in the time of Jesus (who would have spoken Aramaic), most children are keen on Romans. I imagine it's pretty easy to get children at primary school (elementary in America) to dress as Romans, for a short skit, or re-enactment, and say Salve, as a greeting, before dropping into English.
Guides
It's common in the USA to have elderly retired ladies who are volunteer guides to walk about in the Deep South wearing Civil War days costumes. I don't know why more guides don't walk around Roman era sites dressed as Romans.
Dressing Up For Teachers
Admittedly, the gear of knights in medieval armour is costly and heavy. But an old white sheet can quickly be made into a toga. You can buy Roman rulers in gift shops. Carry plastic spears. I'm pretty sure most Roman museums have dress up boxes.
Roman Parties
Having once got the idea, you can take it back to the class room, or even organise a Roman theme birthday party, in an Italian restaurant. (Sing Gaudeamus Igitur.) Even a Roman theme wedding in Italy. Or for opening night or closing night of a conference.
A Roman costume from a fancy dress supplier costs about £10 for a sleeveless or short sleeved costume, plus postage, and about £20 for a long sleeve version which will keep you warmer for a Christmas or winter party. (Although you could wear a Roman sleeveless costume under a smart evening jacket. Never mind if the Roman costume is hidden. You could reveal it as a surprise wand for photos when you stand up to make an after dinner speech.
Speakers
Now, there's an idea for a speech about Romans and the Latin language for my Toastmasters Groups. Laurel wreaths paper hats presented as symbolic thanks to committee members. I must get some props organised.
Interest in the Romans is never-ending and news items pop up regularly. Every year we find more Roman archaeological sights and inscriptions worldwide. Museums all over the world have Roman finds from their local area, or other items from all over the world from the Roman era.
In London, England, the Romans were in charge from 43 BC until 410 AD (Latin for ann domini meaning in the year of our lord).
Now you are all set to get a committee to organise a Christmas party, at home or abroad, at a conference. Or to read a Roman tombstone in a museum or an inscription at an archaeological site on your travels.
Roman sites to see:
UK
London Wall, London. (Go to the Barbican or Moorgate tube station to see the London Museum. Best travel by London's underground train service.)
Hadrian's Wall. Several sites along the border of England and Scotland, such as Vindolanda which has a good museum. Best travel by car, unless you are a keen hiker and walker.
Tips
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latin_phrases
http://www.transparent.com/learn-latin/phrases.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Britain (See also next post.)
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. I have several more posts on language. Please share links to your favourite posts.
Latin Roots
Why would anybody want to speak Latin? We do, all the time. Firstly, many English words have Latin roots, such as television. Wikipedia says:
The word television comes from Ancient Greek τῆλε (tèle), meaning 'far', and Latin visio, meaning 'sight'.
I have always known that the word was half Greek and half Latin but could not remember which half was which. Now I have a way to remember. The languages are simply in alphabetical order. Greek first, for tele, Latin second for visio.
I shall type it three times so that I and you can remember it.
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
Greek
tele - far
Latin
visio - sight
In theory you can type it out three times to remember it. I used to do that.
I feel too tired to do that today. I would rather copy it quickly. If you are making yourself word lists and want to copy something three times to teach yourself, or a class, you only need to type it once. Copy, then paste it twice. If you need the practice, read it aloud three times.
Latin Phrases
Secondly, Latin words we use all the time are Latin. For example: Vice versa.
I looked up some lists of common Latin phrases:
Firstly, we use the terms a.m. and p.m. regularly for time, short for ante, before, and post, after, mid-day.
Post mortem (after death)
Here's a quick list of six, which you could reduce to five favourites to count off on the fingers of your left hand if you want to use them in a class or conversation.
Ad infinitum
Ad nauseam
Agenda
Alibi
Post mortem
Status quo
I would start with them alphabetically: A a.m. agenda, alibi, ad infinitum, ad nauseam. PS PM, post mortem, status quo.
If you work in law or medicine or read reports of trials you will come across many more technical terms.
Latin Quotations
You often, at least in the UK, hear people quoting what Julius Caesar is supposed to have said, to quickly raise moral of troops when he landed on British soil and tripped, VEN VIDI< VICI - I came, I saw, I conquered.
I learned Latin in School. Latin used to be used all the time in Catholic churches. I admit I was slightly peeved when Latin was dropped from Catholic services, although I am not Catholic. Learned Latin at school! Hey folks, let me keep up my Latin!
But I didn't waste my time learning Latin, now the church services and prayer books have dropped it. Latin is becoming more accessible for students and teachers, because people have translated popular books into Latin.
Dressing Children, Teachers, Guides And Adults As Romans
In addition to those interested in the time of Jesus (who would have spoken Aramaic), most children are keen on Romans. I imagine it's pretty easy to get children at primary school (elementary in America) to dress as Romans, for a short skit, or re-enactment, and say Salve, as a greeting, before dropping into English.
Guides
It's common in the USA to have elderly retired ladies who are volunteer guides to walk about in the Deep South wearing Civil War days costumes. I don't know why more guides don't walk around Roman era sites dressed as Romans.
Dressing Up For Teachers
Admittedly, the gear of knights in medieval armour is costly and heavy. But an old white sheet can quickly be made into a toga. You can buy Roman rulers in gift shops. Carry plastic spears. I'm pretty sure most Roman museums have dress up boxes.
Roman Parties
Having once got the idea, you can take it back to the class room, or even organise a Roman theme birthday party, in an Italian restaurant. (Sing Gaudeamus Igitur.) Even a Roman theme wedding in Italy. Or for opening night or closing night of a conference.
A Roman costume from a fancy dress supplier costs about £10 for a sleeveless or short sleeved costume, plus postage, and about £20 for a long sleeve version which will keep you warmer for a Christmas or winter party. (Although you could wear a Roman sleeveless costume under a smart evening jacket. Never mind if the Roman costume is hidden. You could reveal it as a surprise wand for photos when you stand up to make an after dinner speech.
Speakers
Now, there's an idea for a speech about Romans and the Latin language for my Toastmasters Groups. Laurel wreaths paper hats presented as symbolic thanks to committee members. I must get some props organised.
Interest in the Romans is never-ending and news items pop up regularly. Every year we find more Roman archaeological sights and inscriptions worldwide. Museums all over the world have Roman finds from their local area, or other items from all over the world from the Roman era.
In London, England, the Romans were in charge from 43 BC until 410 AD (Latin for ann domini meaning in the year of our lord).
Now you are all set to get a committee to organise a Christmas party, at home or abroad, at a conference. Or to read a Roman tombstone in a museum or an inscription at an archaeological site on your travels.
Roman sites to see:
UK
London Wall, London. (Go to the Barbican or Moorgate tube station to see the London Museum. Best travel by London's underground train service.)
Hadrian's Wall. Several sites along the border of England and Scotland, such as Vindolanda which has a good museum. Best travel by car, unless you are a keen hiker and walker.
Tips
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latin_phrases
http://www.transparent.com/learn-latin/phrases.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Britain (See also next post.)
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. I have several more posts on language. Please share links to your favourite posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment