The Importance of Latin Learning for Science Achievement

May 29, 2019
Written by:
Courtney Newman

Have you considered bringing a Latin study into your homeschool?  Perhaps you have been researching foreign languages to begin with your homeschooled students, and Latin briefly crossed your mind.  However, considering it is a dead language, you may be wondering if Latin is even useful in our modern world. Additionally, it may seem infinitely harder to learn considering it lacks the advantage of being a spoken language.  However, one of the best reasons for learning Latin at home is the very fact that students don’t need to concern themselves with learning pronunciations and recognizing speech.

Latin may be dead, but it’s not extinct.  There are many benefits of learning Latin, and a number of ways it still influences our daily lives.  While it may feel like more of a challenge to take on this archaic, mysterious language, we want to explain how it can enrich and deepen your homeschool study.  If you’re considering a foreign language already, here’s why you perhaps should choose Latin.

The Top 5 Ways Latin Influences Science

Science involves math, chemistry, and experiments, so how could Latin help your students reach achievements with activities such as STEM and science fair projects?  Once you study Latin and begin to learn how deeply ingrained it is in our culture, you won’t be able to un-see it. Latin is the foundation of nearly every academic pursuit in our society, and here’s how.

  • Latin supplies the root words for modern science.  When considering science, just as math lends the calculations, Latin provides the language.  An understanding of both math and Latin creates a strong foundation for studying science for kids.  Additionally, Latin gives modern science both structure and discipline for better understanding. All that to say, science is saturated in Latin.  
  • Latin is the language of Western civilization.  Similarly, modern science is at the heart of Western civilization, which results in these two coexisting dependently on each other. Latin is known as possibly one of the most influential languages in history, and consequently, science helps keep Latin alive.  It may be a dead language due to not being spoken anymore, but Latin is not extinct thanks to scholarly branches such as science.
  • Latin comprises half of the English language. It is, after all, the mother language.  Did you know that many of the words we use in everyday vocabulary are rooted in Latin?  It’s part of our daily experience even without our realization. Because of that, your knowledge of the English language, in addition to a study of Latin, could add depth and greater understanding to studying science.  Students will find themselves connecting terms with ideas and words they’ve known for years, but with new connotations for science. In case you didn’t know, around 40% of everyday language is derived from Latin words. 
  • Latin is also the basis of vocabulary heavily used for law and logic. Not only do scientific pursuits such as biology keep Latin alive, but so do other fields, for example, law and medicine.  These careers are highly related to science, even if it’s not obvious at first glance. Medicine plays an important role in the practical application of science, while law governs the parameters in which medical professionals and scientists can use such scientific methods.  Similarly, logic is often called upon for methods, evaluations, experimentation, and theories. These academic pursuits work together, and they all rely on Latin as their core language of communication. A study of Latin will open numerous doors of understanding, and greater understanding often yields greater success.
  • Latin prepares students to learn other subjects.  Not only would Latin help students seek more scholarly fields such as medicine, science, or law, but it could assist students with learning other, less structured subjects as well.  Due to Latin providing a system and set of rules within its own language, with a Latin study, students will naturally approach other subjects more efficiently and systematically.  Once a student has studied Latin, they will begin to notice the language’s impact on all topics.

Top 5 Latin Learning Resources

Now that we’ve covered the importance of Latin learning for science, we want to give you a nudge in the right direction for starting on your Latin journey.  Latin resources aren’t quite as abundant as other languages, however, there are still several great learning tools available. These are high-quality options to at least help you start on your Latin learning process.  Hopefully, these will spark a fire of motivation for your language learners!

  • Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone is known and loved by nearly everyone.  In addition to their spoken foreign language programs, they also offer Latin.
  • Free Wikibooks Latin Course. If you are looking for something free to perhaps test the waters, you can find a course on Wikibooks!
  • Udemy. Udemy offers Latin language courses for around $30 and up.  The available courses are different lengths and provide varied themes and focuses, but there are many options for learners.
  • Time4Languages.  Active Time4Learning members can add Latin to their program through Time4Languages.  It’s powered through Rosetta Stone and a great way to add on a language program.
  • YouTube Videos. Finally, as with nearly any other homeschool subject, students can find a vast array of Latin resources on YouTube.  Try experimenting with expanding or narrowing your search phrases to find different videos. YouTube is a strong resource for independent, visual, and auditory learners!

 


Courtney Newman

Courtney Newman is a homeschooled graduate with a love for writing. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Health Science at University of the People. Other than writing, her hobbies include reading, yoga, visiting the beach, and meditating. She lives with her husband and pets in coastal Virginia.