Latin as a 3rd foreign language
Why Latin? 10 answers:
1 First of all, there is a very practical reason: Latin is an important support for some degree courses. Medicine, pharmacy, law, theology, history or some modern foreign languages are based on Latin roots; the origins of the sciences and their specialized language lie in Latin.
2 Latin is the basis of the Romance languages (e.g. Italian and French). English is also closely related to the language of the Romans: around 60% of its vocabulary can be traced back to Latin origins. This makes it easier for native English speakers to recognize Latin words. Latin is a good basis for learning other languages such as Spanish and Italian.
3 Those who learn Latin also learn German better. The basic grammatical knowledge taught in Latin lessons gives pupils the opportunity to understand their own language better and improve their ability to express themselves. In this way, Latin lessons make an important contribution to language education.
4 The technical language of scientific subjects is characterized by foreign words such as addition, subtraction, particle or potential; these can be easily deciphered by using Latin vocabulary.
5 Comprehensive education through Latin: In the texts we read in Latin lessons, we encounter a wide variety of fields of knowledge that are part of a broad general education. These include, in particular, the ancient world of gods and legends or Roman history. The survival of many ancient figures and myths in modern art and culture also plays a major role in our lessons.
6 Europe speaks Latin: In Europe, the exchange of cultural, scientific and spiritual issues took place in Latin until the 17th century. The language of the Romans therefore provides the key to exploring this common European past.
7 Germany's past was also partly shaped by the Romans. This is demonstrated by impressive buildings such as the Porta Nigra in Trier or the reconstructions of former Roman villas, where you can relive the everyday life of the Romans.
8 Latin lessons teach core skills that are important for a successful school career: Accuracy, thoroughness and patience. Anyone who has successfully translated a difficult text has usually achieved much more than it seems at first glance.
9 Latin helps to promote openness to the world and tolerance. In Latin lessons, we are constantly grappling with ideas that are alien to the present day and reflect on them in the light of our own present.
10 Latin is fun: with the help of learning software, documentaries and film adaptations of ancient material, it's now very easy to go on a voyage of discovery to ancient Rome!
