by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: April 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 10, 2010

The assertion that Latin is a dead language is just plain wrong. The fact is, however, that even though Latin is not a spoken language and hasn't been used as a conversational language since Ancient times, Latin is very much alive, and for some people, its presence in their lives is somewhat ubiquitous. We encounter it in almost everything we do on a daily basis, probably without recognizing that Latin is staring us in the face.

It is used on a daily basis in law. An 'amicus curiae' is a friend of the court. The term 'habeas corpus' literally means "you have a body," but in legal terms, it means that a defendant or anyone who is accused of a crime has the legal right to appear before a judge. There are countless other Latin words that are a regular part of legal jargon. Ad hoc means for this purpose, and ad infinitum literally means towards infinity, but we know that it really means without limit.

When there is a question as to whether or not someone is competent to stand trial, the term used to describe that is non compos mentis, literally meaning having mastery of the mind.....or competent of mind. Many states have Latin slogans. One particularly nice one is the Oklahoma state motto which states: labor omnia vincit or labor conquers all. In any type of sales, there is always the Latin advisement to people: caveat emptor or "buyer beware."

Anyone who carries money around with them should take the time to look at the words on it. It doesn't matter whether it is a dollar bill or a coin. The words 'e pluribus unum' appear on every piece of money that is minted in this country. The literal translation for that is "out of many, there is one." One could easily interpret that to mean that the many are all of the diverse cultures and nationalities that make up this country. Out of all of the differences, there is still only one, and that one is all of the citizens of this country as a whole. We are one because we are unified as Americans.

Whether we choose to believe it or not, our English owes much of its basic construction to Latin. The study of Latin improves our vocabulary. It teaches us about the structure of the language, about the grammar and about the way through which sentences should be put together. One cannot help but become a better writer as a result of studying Latin.

For a writer, Latin will be greatly beneficial in helping him or her improve their knowledge and understanding of English grammar give them an awareness that will force them to be more

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