Is it better to learn Latin or Greek?

Learning Latin is more useful for learning about English word origins and grammar, but learning classical Greek is more of an accomplishment. As for which is more fun, that’s really something only you can figure out. TL;DR: I’d say it’s about the same, so pick whichever one you want to read most.

Do American students learn Latin?

In the United States, Latin is occasionally taught in high schools and middle schools, usually as an elective or option. Latin is often taught in Catholic secondary schools, and in some of them it is a required course. More than 149,000 Latin students took the 2007 National Latin Exam.

Do Americans study ancient Greek?

The study of ancient Greek and Latin long ago vanished from most American classrooms, and with it has gone a special understanding of the values and virtues prized by Western civilization. Though an AP exam on Virgil remains, the College Board’s decision further marginalized classical studies in American education.

Why do scholars use Latin?

Most importantly, the use of Latin made their works understandable to readers across Europe. Many writers who did not aim to reach an international audience still chose Latin because it had been the accepted language of scholarship since the time of ancient Rome. Writing in Latin gave their works weight and authority.

Is Latin more useful than ancient Greek?

Greek is more important, particularly in the areas of science, philosophy, mathematics, drama. For politics, law and history, Latin is important, but in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, Greek was the language of that as well.

Why did people learn Latin and Greek?

MANY PEOPLE study Latin and Greek in college because of their love for the literature and the mythology, the history and the art, of ancient Greece and Rome. The study habits and work ethic they develop are those needed for success in demanding graduate and professional programs and in real-world careers.

Is it worth learning ancient Greek?

In short, as much as it pains me to say it, today the main reason to learn Greek is simply out of curiosity and respect for one of the oldest languages in the world today. Greek is an amazing language with a rich history that has played a role in the world for centuries, and as such is always well worth learning.

Is ancient Greek still taught in schools?

Ancient Greek language is still taught in some parts of the world. One of the very few schooling systems where Ancient Greek is still a compulsory subject, is Italy. Ancient Greek is usually treated as a written language in formal instruction.

Why do scientists give Latin names?

Linnaeus and other scientists used Latin because it was a dead language. Many biologists gave the species they described long, unwieldy Latin names, which could be altered at will; a scientist comparing two descriptions of species might not be able to tell which organisms were being referred to.