Submitted by Booker "Bibulus" George
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
NLHS President Message
Salvete!
Welcome to our National Latin Honor Society Newsletter!
A quick and convenient way for creative contributions as a member and devotee of Latinitas.
Sine labore nihil!
- Era "Vera" Kovanxhi
Welcome to our National Latin Honor Society Newsletter!
A quick and convenient way for creative contributions as a member and devotee of Latinitas.
Sine labore nihil!
- Era "Vera" Kovanxhi
Latin in Everyday Life
People occasionally scorn Latin students, claiming that Latin is a “dead language.” However, these barbari just do not realize how important and useful Latin is in our everyday lives. Latin can be incredibly useful a tool if people just pay attention to the abundant subtle implications of Latin ingrained here and there in our cultures.
A few weeks ago, I happened to find myself looking over certain medical terms only to find myself in delight over the fact that I could discern the meanings of the words with ease because of my mediocre understanding of the Latin language. This instance motivated me in my Latin studies and affirmed my choice in the language as it is inevitably going to aid me in my future profession in the medical field. Latin can not only aid hopefuls in the medical professions, but also those wishing to pursue careers in law and literature, as certain terminology in all these fields often hold roots in the Latin language.
Every day in Latin class taught by Magister, we learn about uses of specific vocabulary and grammar that increases our understanding of the English language and enlightens us of numerous word origins. I often find myself experiencing minor epiphanies about certain literature or vocabulary that I can now make connections to Latin with, exempli gratia that most of the “witchcraft” and “wizardry” in the Harry Potter series is derived from Latin (severus meaning “strict,” used for none other than Severus Snape). Other examples are words used in our vocabulary, such as illustrate, stellar, visceral, et cetera.
I see Latin everywhere in everyday life, in various literatures and English words, and it is quite self-satisfying to be able to break down such uses of Latin and understand the meanings and origins of the use, thus giving me an upper hand and feel of control over everyone else!
Submitted by Shih-Tzer Dawn
A few weeks ago, I happened to find myself looking over certain medical terms only to find myself in delight over the fact that I could discern the meanings of the words with ease because of my mediocre understanding of the Latin language. This instance motivated me in my Latin studies and affirmed my choice in the language as it is inevitably going to aid me in my future profession in the medical field. Latin can not only aid hopefuls in the medical professions, but also those wishing to pursue careers in law and literature, as certain terminology in all these fields often hold roots in the Latin language.
Every day in Latin class taught by Magister, we learn about uses of specific vocabulary and grammar that increases our understanding of the English language and enlightens us of numerous word origins. I often find myself experiencing minor epiphanies about certain literature or vocabulary that I can now make connections to Latin with, exempli gratia that most of the “witchcraft” and “wizardry” in the Harry Potter series is derived from Latin (severus meaning “strict,” used for none other than Severus Snape). Other examples are words used in our vocabulary, such as illustrate, stellar, visceral, et cetera.
I see Latin everywhere in everyday life, in various literatures and English words, and it is quite self-satisfying to be able to break down such uses of Latin and understand the meanings and origins of the use, thus giving me an upper hand and feel of control over everyone else!
Submitted by Shih-Tzer Dawn
Latin in Medicine
On a doctor’s note, you may have seen odd abbreviations and letters scrawled onto the slip of paper describing your medications and when/how to take them. Most of those abbreviations stand for Latin phrases, which translated to English describe some common words and phrases. However, those aren’t the only examples of Latin in medicine; numerous body parts are named after Latin words. Therefore, any doctor will benefit from being well-versed in Latin; likewise, individuals proficient in Latin may easily understand several aspects of medicine.
Perhaps the biggest impact of Latin is through the doctor’s prescriptions. When one takes a medication through the mouth, it is said to be per ōs (PO); through the rectum, per rectum (PR). Intravenous (which comes from intra + vēna which literally means ‘within a vein’) medications are medications given directly into the veins. When a medication is described to be taken QD, it stands for quaque die, or ‘every day.’ Taken every hour, it is called quaque horas. In order for doctors to fully comprehend directions in Latin, they must have a working knowledge of Latin to succinctly describe to the patient what they require.
Another use of Latin in medicine is the naming of anatomical parts. One use of Latin is the word ramus, which means branch, and is used to describe the region of the jawbone connecting the jaw to the zygomatic bone. Another is the word acinus, which means ‘grapes.’ This word is used to describe one of the granular masses of the pancreas, which physically resemble grapes. Yet another word in Latin used in medicine is os (different from ōs), meaning ‘bone.’ A horde of medical vocabulary stems from this word, including: osteon, osteoblast, intraosseous, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. A related use in medicine is describing anatomical direction. Proximus, the Latin word for ‘near,’ is used to describe bones which are closer to the body. For example, the phalanges are divided into proximal, medial, and distal bones. Superior and inferior are literally used to relatively describe the ‘up’ and ‘down’ placement of anatomical parts and appear in many proper names, such as the superior and inferior vena cava. Likewise, anterior and posterior are used to relatively describe the ‘forward’ and ‘backward’ placement of anatomical parts.
Latin has an integral place in medicine and anyone who is in the healthcare profession should be required to learn Latin as part of their career because of the importance of Latin. Emergency settings in hospitals even regularly use Latin to convey orders, like statim, which is usually shortened to ‘stat,’ meaning ‘immediately.’ Although Latin may be complex grammatically, knowing at least the diverse vocabulary will greatly enhance anyone’s understanding of the world.
Submitted by Steven "Silvester" Ahn
Perhaps the biggest impact of Latin is through the doctor’s prescriptions. When one takes a medication through the mouth, it is said to be per ōs (PO); through the rectum, per rectum (PR). Intravenous (which comes from intra + vēna which literally means ‘within a vein’) medications are medications given directly into the veins. When a medication is described to be taken QD, it stands for quaque die, or ‘every day.’ Taken every hour, it is called quaque horas. In order for doctors to fully comprehend directions in Latin, they must have a working knowledge of Latin to succinctly describe to the patient what they require.
Another use of Latin in medicine is the naming of anatomical parts. One use of Latin is the word ramus, which means branch, and is used to describe the region of the jawbone connecting the jaw to the zygomatic bone. Another is the word acinus, which means ‘grapes.’ This word is used to describe one of the granular masses of the pancreas, which physically resemble grapes. Yet another word in Latin used in medicine is os (different from ōs), meaning ‘bone.’ A horde of medical vocabulary stems from this word, including: osteon, osteoblast, intraosseous, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. A related use in medicine is describing anatomical direction. Proximus, the Latin word for ‘near,’ is used to describe bones which are closer to the body. For example, the phalanges are divided into proximal, medial, and distal bones. Superior and inferior are literally used to relatively describe the ‘up’ and ‘down’ placement of anatomical parts and appear in many proper names, such as the superior and inferior vena cava. Likewise, anterior and posterior are used to relatively describe the ‘forward’ and ‘backward’ placement of anatomical parts.
Latin has an integral place in medicine and anyone who is in the healthcare profession should be required to learn Latin as part of their career because of the importance of Latin. Emergency settings in hospitals even regularly use Latin to convey orders, like statim, which is usually shortened to ‘stat,’ meaning ‘immediately.’ Although Latin may be complex grammatically, knowing at least the diverse vocabulary will greatly enhance anyone’s understanding of the world.
Submitted by Steven "Silvester" Ahn
Ancient Rome’s Largest Temple Reopens to the Public
The largest and most splendid of Rome's temples, the Temple of Venus and Roma, was the only one to have ten columns across its principal façade. Designed by Hadrian, builder of the famous Hadrian’s Wall, who began construction in AD 121, it probably was dedicated in AD 135 and may have been completed by Antoninus Pius. The Temple burned in AD 307 but was restored by the emperor Maxentius just a few years after. A severe earthquake at the beginning of the 9th century unfortunately destroyed the temple once again. Around 850 Pope Leo IV ordered the building of a new church, Santa Maria Nova, on the ruins of the temple. After a major rebuilding in 1612, this church was renamed Santa Francesca Romana, incorporating Roma's cella as the belltower. After more than 20 years amid heavy criticism of Italy's management of its artistic heritage after the collapse of a house in Pompeii, the church opened to the public on Thursday, November 11. Though closed to the public until now, the temple has been used since John Paul II's papacy as a platform for Good Friday ceremonies when the pope leads pilgrims in meditations on the Stations of the Cross. A ceremony marked the re-opening of the Temple of Venus and Rome in the Roman Forum near the Colosseum.
Submitted by by Tom (Torquatus) Silver
Submitted by by Tom (Torquatus) Silver
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