A defense of learning Latin and Greek
17 days ago
- #Translation
- #Language Learning
- #Classics
- Written exams in ancient languages are highly objective, measuring recall and facility with a finite set of grammatical rules and texts.
- Translation in ancient languages allows for creativity but has objective limits; specialists can distinguish accurate translations from misinterpretations.
- Princeton University's decision to drop Latin and Greek requirements for Classics majors is criticized as detrimental to the field's future.
- Access to extensive resources like grammars, lexicons, and digital libraries reduces the perceived necessity of learning ancient languages for textual analysis.
- Personal enrichment and deeper understanding of ancient texts, especially in religious contexts, justify the effort of learning ancient languages.
- Studying Classics without Latin and Greek makes students dependent on translators, undermining their ability to critically engage with original texts.