Classical Languages

Latin and Greek reveal a great deal about English and greatly enhance the student’s powers of expression in his native language.

• About 50% of English vocabulary comes from Latin, 30% of English vocabulary come from Greek.  English vocabulary tests reveal that students of Latin score higher.
• Latin and Greek greatly refine the student’s understanding of English grammar.

Latin and Greek develop and deepen the student’s understanding of, and appreciation for, literature.

• A doorway is opened to great classical literature, for example, Virgil.
• The student’s appreciation for English literature grows because literature is filled with classical allusions.  A student who understands these has a great advantage.

Latin and Greek provide an understanding of the classical impact on our modern culture.

• We see this in wedding rings, dollar signs, political structure, architecture, the names of  constellations and planets, and, of course, in et cetera.
• Consider the Virginia flag motto:  Sic Semper Tyrannus.
• Consider the Idaho flag motto: Esto perpetua.

Latin and Greek train the student in the essentials of scientific method:  observation, comparison, and generalization.

• Students of Latin and Greek are equipped in a methodology of rigorous analysis.  This ability is not subsequently limited to Latin and Greek.
• Latin and Greek train minds to encounter unfamiliar material, whether in science, literature, art, or any other discipline.

Latin and Greek provide a wonderful foundation for the study of other modern languages.

• Direct descendants of Latin include Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, etc.
• Students are given a good grasp on how inflected languages work, which include German, Russian, and Greek.

Greek (Koine) provides insight into New Testament truths.

• Rhetoric students at CCA take two years of Koine Greek which prepares them to better understand the New Testament.