Learning Latin can be an enriching experience for anyone interested in language and history. Beyond its value as a language of scholarship, literature, and myth, Latin can also help students learn modern spoken languages in surprising ways.
Latin is the root of modern Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. By studying Latin, students gain a better understanding of the vocabulary and grammar structures that form the foundation of these languages. I can personally attest to this, as I am currently residing in Mexico City and using Latin every day in my Spanish classes. Latin can help students recognize and decipher cognates and understand the grammar rules that govern them. For instance, if you know that the Latin word "amare" means "to love," you can easily recognize the Spanish "amar," the French "aimer," and the Italian "amare,"
Learning Latin can improve overall language learning skills. Latin is known for its complex grammar and syntax, which requires focus and attention to detail. By studying Latin, students train their brains to recognize patterns, develop analytical skills, and build vocabulary. These skills are transferable to other languages, and not only languages that are derived from Latin.
Studying Latin can give students a deeper understanding of English. Many English words are derived from Latin, and by learning Latin, one can gain a better understanding of the etymology of these words. Knowing the roots of English words can also help with understanding their meanings and usage in context. For example, the Latin word "re" means "again," and when added to the word "iterate," (iter in Latin means trip or journey) it creates "reiterate," which means "to say or do again" (lit. to take another trip).
To conclude, learning Latin can be a valuable asset to anyone interested in language and culture. The benefits of studying Latin extend beyond simply learning the language itself. It can improve students’ overall language learning skills, help them recognize and understand cognates in modern languages, and give a deeper understanding of English. These are the reasons homeschoolers are learning Latin.