Did You Know That You Speak Latin?

(ARA) - Believe it or not, everyone speaks a little Latin. You probably use it everyday. When you e-mail a friend to meet you for dinner at 8 p.m., you're using Latin. The abbreviation p.m. stands for "post meridiem," meaning after noon. Latin, the basis for many languages, including French, Spanish and Italian, survives in many forms today. While not taught in schools as much as in years past, Latin is enjoying a surge in popularity as people discover the fun of learning the language that was the basis for so many modern ones. And anyone who has ever watched a crime or legal drama on TV has familiarity with Latin phrases like "subpoena" and "habeas corpus."

Even if you're a few years out of school, it makes sense to learn a little Latin. Though often called a "dead language," learning and understanding Latin can breathe new life into your vocabulary. By understanding the foundation of English, readers and writers will begin to expand their word use and reading comprehension.

Latin not only helps with crossword puzzles and legal dramas, but with tests as well. Studies show that students who received Latin instruction scored better on their SATs than students who studied other foreign languages. This kind of advantage has led many parents to seek out Latin instructional materials for their college-bound children, and even for themselves. Publishers like Bolchazy-Carducci offer a wide range of books and learning materials for youngsters and adults to introduce them to the advantages of learning a little Latin. Their latest workbook, "Latin Everywhere, Everyday" brings the Latin phases of daily life to readers. We can all rattle off "E pluribus unum," but far fewer can tell you it means "one out of many" and it can be found on U.S. currency of all types and the Great Seal of the United States. With sections devoted to mottoes, common phrases and abbreviations, this workbook will deepen your understanding of those words you've been hearing and using for years.

"By learning the meaning behind everyday words and phrases, we can deepen our understanding of the world around us," says Marie Bolchazy, vice president of Bolchazy Carducci Publishers. "Latin is the foundation of English, and while it may have the reputation of being intimidating, it can be fun when it's taught in the right manner."

Learning the meaning of common Latin phrases can add to your own word power and reading comprehension. Which can be helpful if you're ever found "in situ," "in absentia" or "in flagrante delicto."

Courtesy of ARA Content