NationStates Jolt Archive

Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7705922.stm)

A number of British local authorities have decided that council staff should not use Latin phrases such as "vice versa", "pro rata", or even "via" in speech or writing because use of such "elitist" language is discriminatory and will "confuse people".

The Plain English Campaign said it would avoid common confusions such as between the abbreviation e.g. with "egg". *Facepalm*

I know. Its a minor issue, much more important things going on blah blah blah. But to me, this sort of dumbing down seems idiotic in the extreme. These words have been used for so long that they have become core parts of the English language. Why not eliminate all other words that people might not understand? What next? No words over two syllables? Documents in txtspk? Where does it stop? Its hardly as if people stupid enough not to understand these terms will be greatly interested in local political affairs anyway. Your thoughts - Is this stupidity in its most concentrated form, or am I a snobby elitist, enemy of the common man?

Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7705922.stm)

A number of British local authorities have decided that council staff should not use Latin phrases such as "vice versa", "pro rata", or even "via" in speech or writing because use of such "elitist" language is discriminatory and will "confuse people".


How fucking patronising do these councils want to be? Jesus Christ.

How utterly asinine. I like Latin; I just wish I had a chance to study, but, c'est la vie. Its presence in the language adds a touch of flavour to an otherwise clunky, ugly language. What I want to know is, how does 'vice versa' confuse people or even via? These people obviously have very little to do; proof that some officials need REAL jobs.

Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7705922.stm)

A number of British local authorities have decided that council staff should not use Latin phrases such as "vice versa", "pro rata", or even "via" in speech or writing because use of such "elitist" language is discriminatory and will "confuse people".

The Plain English Campaign said it would avoid common confusions such as between the abbreviation e.g. with "egg". *Facepalm*


That's it. There is no hope for Britain now. Get out while you still can.

Alas, political correctness in the UK has gone haywire. :(

That's it. There is no hope for Britain now. Get out while you still can.

Can we scuttle her like an overlarge ship?

Can we scuttle her like an overlarge ship?

If by "Scuttle" you mean "Dress up in a Guy Fawkes mask and blow up the Old Bailey" then yes. Yes you can.:tongue:

I have just one thing to say;

Don't understand? Fuck You.

Or as they say in Latin, "Fucko Youo with a STICKO"

Funny and ironic, considering Britain was dominated by the Romans for hundreds of years... Considering I took a few years of Latin during my undergrad years, all I have to say is... Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur

That's it. There is no hope for Britain now. Get out while you still can.

I tried to, but as I approached the airport, the authorities stopped me, claiming that the ease at which I was able to relocate was a great offence to the poorer classes, who cannot afford to move to another country. They arrested me for being 'ultra elitist'.

Alas, political correctness in the UK has gone haywire. :(

Its not very politically correct of you to say that:p. I'm sure in a few years time it will be considered politically incorrect to use the phrase 'political correctness', and everyone will instead be forced to use alternatives such as 'culturally sensitive' or face five years in jail.

Ah, but you can't call it "Jail." It's "Correctional facility" now. :D

why ban latin? learn latin if you have the hunger for knowledge. Elites shouldnt exist so that`d make latin just a neat dead language which few people understand

Ah, but you can't call it "Jail." It's "Correctional facility" now. :D

Oh noes! I've committed Thoughtcrime!

it's just plain stupid I hate the way things have changed in order to be p.c. like now people say 'industrial action' instead of 'strike'

Hopefully the militant political correctness rally and the militant evironmentalist rally, disgusted by the amount of extra paper such a change in language would need, will fight each other to a standstill.

Ad astra per alia porci

It's "Correctional facility" now. :D

Nope, correctional facility is too offensive to those who are unable to correct their attitudes, it indicates failure. It's "institute for those who have a differing perspective on the state's right to law enforcement and/or the legal/natural rights other citizens should/do have".

Oh noes! I've committed Thoughtcrime!

we have newspeak now too (alas)

Isn't words like Stadium, auditorium and etcetera Latin words? They better ban them.

What the fuck is wrong with Britain?

*OP*

When did dictionaries become unavailable?

How patronising. Local residents of these councils should deliberately use as many Latin phrases as possible in all their dealings with them.

Ah, but you can't call it "Jail." It's "Correctional facility" now. :D

And isn't the correct English spelling gaol?

Ad astra per alia porci

I'm moderately proud I got the gist of that without need of translation.

Isn't words like Stadium, auditorium and etcetera Latin words? They better ban them.

What the fuck is wrong with Britain?

A distinct lack of Apathy, the stuff that keeps society moving.

Ah, but you can't call it "Jail." It's "Correctional facility" now. :D

Nope. That's Latin.

Latin is a dead language; let it rest in peace.

It's silly, but only so long as they avoid conjugating Latin verbs regularly. The horror. The horror!

Latin is a dead language; let it rest in peace.

Then explain the Living Latin movement! Which I support. Well, once I learn Latin...

Hoc stultum est.

Latin is a dead language; let it rest in peace.

How is it dead? It's about 60-70% of English. It's conversational form is largely gone from use, but Latin's influence is global and very much alive.

This is not political correctness. It's a buzzword that is irrelevant here. Where the idea that this is about PC comes from I've got no idea.

This is simple common sense. Many people who use a council (probably a disproportionately high number) are not well educated, or even dare I say it particularly intelligent.

As shocking as it may seem, they're unfamiliar with phrases like 'pro rata' and other latin terms that those who regularly deal with legal work sprinkle their language with. It means they struggle to understand (and often don't want to display their ignorance) and may not seek further help because of fear and embarrasment of appearing unintelligent.

The aim of every council is to be as helpful and accessible to all it's constituents, this will help. Those who understand latin will understand the replacement terms, and those who don't will as well. So we've gone from some people understanding to more people understanding. This is a good thing, a sensible thing, and you sir are a liberal elitist. :p

This is not political correctness. It's a buzzword that is irrelevant here. Where the idea that this is about PC comes from I've got no idea.

This is simple common sense. Many people who use a council (probably a disproportionately high number) are not well educated, or even dare I say it particularly intelligent.

As shocking as it may seem, they're unfamiliar with phrases like 'pro rata' and other latin terms that those who regularly deal with legal work sprinkle their language with. It means they struggle to understand (and often don't want to display their ignorance) and may not seek further help because of fear and embarrasment of appearing unintelligent.

The aim of every council is to be as helpful and accessible to all it's constituents, this will help. Those who understand latin will understand the replacement terms, and those who don't will as well. So we've gone from some people understanding to more people understanding. This is a good thing, a sensible thing, and you sir are a liberal elitist. :p
Please say that was satire. Say it, I beg of you...

This is not political correctness. It's a buzzword that is irrelevant here. Where the idea that this is about PC comes from I've got no idea.

This is simple common sense. Many people who use a council (probably a disproportionately high number) are not well educated, or even dare I say it particularly intelligent.

As shocking as it may seem, they're unfamiliar with phrases like 'pro rata' and other latin terms that those who regularly deal with legal work sprinkle their language with. It means they struggle to understand (and often don't want to display their ignorance) and may not seek further help because of fear and embarrasment of appearing unintelligent.

The aim of every council is to be as helpful and accessible to all it's constituents, this will help. Those who understand latin will understand the replacement terms, and those who don't will as well. So we've gone from some people understanding to more people understanding. This is a good thing, a sensible thing, and you sir are a liberal elitist. :p

Whatever happened to "excuse me, but what does that mean?" Or better yet, intuition. The phrase "prorate" comes directly from "pro rata", and yet if you told a renter that their rent would be prorated to reflect that they'd moved in at the middle of the month, they'd probably understand that.

I've no sympathy for people who, discovering they don't know something that has bearing on their current situation, continue to wallow in ignorance rather than, say, pick up a dictionary or go to their local library. Sorry.

Please say that was satire. Say it, I beg of you...

Whatever happened to "excuse me, but what does that mean?" Or better yet, intuition. The phrase "prorate" comes directly from "pro rata", and yet if you told a renter that their rent would be prorated to reflect that they'd moved in at the middle of the month, they'd probably understand that.

I've no sympathy for people who, discovering they don't know something that has bearing on their current situation, continue to wallow in ignorance rather than, say, pick up a dictionary or go to their local library. Sorry.

Welcome to the real world kids. There are stupid (or more often uneducated people who work in a trade and haven't come across these phrases much). people out there, they need help from local councils too (often moreso than more intelligent people) and they do get intimidated if latin phrases (and I'm sure the news reports used the simplest ones on the list) and jargon get thrown at them a lot when they phone the council for help.

By doing this a council increases the number of people it helps and how easily they can access the services. That is what a good council aims to do. Sitting around saying 'the oiks should improve their minds' doesn't make the real world better, changes like this do.

Och stuff like "via" is fine, as is pro rata, but if people start pulling out their Latin too casually, people are just confused. So I voted 'sensible'. Probably oughtn't to have after reading the context, but there we go.

Welcome to the real world kids. There are stupid (or more often uneducated people who work in a trade and haven't come across these phrases much). people out there, they need help from local councils too (often moreso than more intelligent people) and they do get intimidated if latin phrases (and I'm sure the news reports used the simplest ones on the list) and jargon get thrown at them a lot when they phone the council for help.

By doing this a council increases the number of people it helps and how easily they can access the services. That is what a good council aims to do. Sitting around saying 'the oiks should improve their minds' doesn't make the real world better, changes like this do.

You scare me. No. Not you. Your view on this scares me.

I favour small government action and as such support the councils on this. I hope the emasculating, statist fist of Big Government doesn't crush their inherent local rights and impose tolerance of Latin.

You scare me. No. Not you. Your view on this scares me.
Why?

There are stupid people around. This helps them. There we go.

*edits*

Actually, it more "not well-read" than stupid, but aye, same odds

Why?

There are stupid people around. This helps them. There we go.

Or we could I don't know educate these people.

I am glad that Britain takes a further step towards the true revolution, and eliminates all traces of that elitist culture that held captive the britons for hundred of years.

Or we could I don't know educate these people.
Yeah, or just not bother because they won't care.

"Hoi lowlife children, today you learn Latin!"
"Nah"
I am glad that Britain takes a further step towards the true revolution, and eliminates all traces of that elitist culture that held captive the britons for hundred of years.
But I love our elitist culture :(

*edits*

Or some of it. Not the overuse of Latin when you're speaking with LC people.

Why?

There are stupid people around. This helps them. There we go.

*edits*

Actually, it more "not well-read" than stupid, but aye, same odds

I know people who don't know several English words. Should council staff stop using those too?

Yeah, or just not bother because they won't care.

"Hoi lowlife children, today you learn Latin!"
"Nah"

Well than that is their problem if they don't want to learn and help themselves that is up to them.

But how could you not know what vice versa means or confuse e.g with egg. What the hell is wrong with these people and the country in general

I know people who don't know several English words. Should council staff stop using those too?
Dunno, do they actually do anything useful, or are they just to make you seem like you know what you're talking about?

If it's not served by something easier to understand, by all means keep it, but the only people here who have been speaking Latin for the last fifteen hundred years are the church and the university-educated.

The man on the street will use Latin words, no question, but when they can be replaced by something simpler, then that's what should be used.
Well than that is their problem if they don't want to learn and help themselves that is up to them.
Councils are formed for the benefit of the general public. Throwing it in their faces that they can't speak Latin is not pro bono publico.
But how could you not know what vice versa means
If you're really poorly educated.
or confuse e.g with egg.
For example would have been easire, but aye, confusing it with 'egg' is pretty retarded.
What the hell is wrong with these people
They are stupid and have a poor education.
and the country in general
Not all that much.

I don't expect anyone but Nanatsu to understand this, but I prefer Bono Pubico over Bono Publico.

I don't expect anyone but Nanatsu to understand this, but I prefer Bono Pubico over Bono Publico.
*thur-dum-tish*

Dunno, do they actually do anything useful, or are they just to make you seem like you know what you're talking about?

Obnoxious, insurgent, oxymoron, yeah. I'd say they're pretty useful words.

Obnoxious
"they're a twat"
insurgent
Terrorist.
oxymoron, yeah. I'd say they're pretty useful words.
Oxymoron is not a useful word, let's be honest.

"they're a twat"

Terrorist.

...

Oxymoron is not a useful word, let's be honest.
A word that denotes contradictory terms? How is that not useful?

...
Easier!
A word that denotes contradictory terms? How is that not useful?
Because you wouldn't use it outside of trying to sound pretentious and/or knowledgeable. It's the kind of thing I'll put into an essay if my tutor is that kind of person, otherwise it gets shelved.

Because you wouldn't use it outside of trying to sound pretentious and/or knowledgeable. It's the kind of thing I'll put into an essay if my tutor is that kind of person, otherwise it gets shelved.
What about polite corrections?

What about polite corrections?
No.

Obnoxious, insurgent, oxymoron, yeah. I'd say they're pretty useful words.

It's a judgement call. If there's a simpler term, then use it. Councils should seek to be understood by the widest number of it's consituents, if they're aware that the use of particular forms of jargon tends to decrease the quality of their service to some of their constituents, and not using it won't necessarily negatively affect the rest, they should recommend avoiding the jargon.

No.

http://www.qwantz.com/stickers-disagree.jpg

It's a judgement call. If there's a simpler term, then use it. Councils should seek to be understood by the widest number of it's consituents.

If we reduced everything to simpler terms, no one would understand ANYTHING.

Huh. Having actually worked in Local Government for a few years, I know exactly the rational behind this.

I think it's a sensible move, although "banning" it isn't the correct way of phrasing it - "phasing out of use" would be more apt.

Most of the literature I would have had to deal with would be in both layman's and legalese. Keeping it as simple and to the point is the most effective way of getting your point across to the ordinary member of the public. They might not know Latin - it is not a cause of "Urh urh urh. You be stoopid - go learn Latin", it's a case of serving the public in the best method possible, and if it's found that using Latin does not serve the public in the best method - don't use it.

If we reduced everything to simpler terms, no one would understand ANYTHING.

How so?

If you prefer, define 'simpler' as 'more understandable'.

Yootopia I just noticed you location says Hull. Didn't it used to be York? Or was that someone else?

Yootopia I just noticed you location says Hull. Didn't it used to be York? Or was that someone else?
Aye I'm at uni in Hull now.

How much of British Law has to be rewritten now, as well as literature, etc.? I'd love to be a fly on the wall for the sub rosa dealings should this go into effect...

Aye I'm at uni in Hull now.

Really? I always imagined you as a bit... Older. I mean you have the grumpy 50-year old British guy down pretty well...

Please don't kill me..

Aye I'm at uni in Hull now.

One of the three great universities :wink:


How much of British Law has to be rewritten now, as well as literature, etc.? I'd love to be a fly on the wall for the sub rosa dealings should this go into effect...


Just about *calculates* none. It's a council telling it's staff who exist to help the public understand and find solutions to their problems, to talk to the public in a way that the public will find it easier to understand. I'm amazed people see this as a bad thing.

Really? I always imagined you as a bit... Older. I mean you have the grumpy 50-year old British guy down pretty well...
Nothing stopping me being 50 and at uni, whippersnapper.
Please don't kill me..
Even with RyanAir's £8 flights to the US, it'd be an effort :tongue:

One of the three great universities :wink:
Aye, Oxford is a dump.

How much of British Law has to be rewritten now, as well as literature, etc.?
Zero.

This is about dealing with an ordinary member of the public. You simply substitute that Latin phrase for a more commonly understood meaning allowing full comprehension across all levels. What is the actual purpose of using Latin phrases such as 'pro rata', 'vis a vis', 'inter alia' if you then have to spend more time explaining them?

In fact, what is the point in a working environment such as a City or County Council of using Latin at all?

Zero.

This is about dealing with an ordinary member of the public. You simply substitute that Latin phrase for a more commonly understood meaning allowing full comprehension across all levels. What is the actual purpose of using Latin phrases such as 'pro rata', 'vis a vis', 'inter alia' if you then have to spend more time explaining them?

In fact, what is the point in a working environment such as a City or County Council of using Latin at all?

Etc, e.g., Computer, Aquatic, ad hominum, I could go on and on.

I'm confused. Will council workers now have to research the root of every word they use, because, frankly, there's a pretty good chance that there will be a Latin connection in just about everything they have to say or write?

I'd be perfectly happy if the Romans had failed in Britain a lot sooner than they did, but since they didn't... this doesn't make any kind of sense to me. I mean... who doesn't understand et cetera? If that's the benchmark... ahh, my head! Is it significant that a large percentage of the British public doesn't know what their local council is or does? Maybe they should address that, first (or would it just make their jobs harder if the public knew what they were supposed to be doing?).

Etc
As well, or just use etc., because it's in pretty common usage.
e.g.
For example.
Computer
Is the common English word for a computer too, hurrah.
Aquatic, ad hominum, I could go on and on.
When the fuck would either of these be used by a council?

I'm confused. Will council workers now have to research the root of every word they use, because, frankly, there's a pretty good chance that there will be a Latin connection in just about everything they have to say or write?
No. Will they have to use their common sense in dealing with people? Yes.

I don't think anyone's going to lose their jobs if they use these words, but at the same time there's no point in using high-register language if you're dealing with poorly educationed people.

As well.

etc /=/ as well.

For example.

This saves space, and most people know it.

Is the common English word for a computer too, hurrah.

It's still that evil elitist latin! *gasp*

When the fuck would either of these be used by a council?
*shrugs*

Etc,
Is commonly understood and recognised.

e.g.
Again, commonly understood and recognised.

Computer
Erm, right.

Aquatic
Not sure when that would ever need to be used - 'swimming pool' or 'water or 'rain' are the only issues I can see that arise from talking to a member of the public about the term 'aquatic'.

ad hominum
When would this need to be used? Please provide an example or scenario.

I could go on and on.
Please do.

etc /=/ as well.
"And all that", even - or just use etc., people know what it means, and it's in common usage. Terms like "i.e." or "e.g.", or "pro-rata" are not used all that commonly.
This saves space, and most people know it.
Yeah, but some people don't, and those are the people that councils deal with pretty often.
It's still that evil elitist latin! *gasp*
No, it isn't. What these councils are trying to do is limit the use of excessively high-registered terms when something else would fit instead, to make things easier. 'Computer' is not confusing, nor do we have another, easier word for it, so it will be used. "e.g." confused someone, and 'for example' suffices.
*shrugs*
Quite.

No. Will they have to use their common sense in dealing with people? Yes.


But... wouldn't common sense suggest to you that an English-speaker is going to know what you mean by, "via"?

Ah well, on the bright side, I find my interest predictably waning. Sigh.

But... wouldn't common sense suggest to you that an English-speaker is going to know what you mean by, "via"?
Depends on who it is, doesn't it.

But... wouldn't common sense suggest to you that an English-speaker is going to know what you mean by, "via"?

Ah well, on the bright side, I find my interest predictably waning. Sigh.

You're missing the point of what a Council is there for. It's not there be a high minded, bureaucratic, elitist, 'posh' (whatever other terms you want to use) organisation - it's meant to be an accessible point of contact for members of the community. Whether that's to do with social housing, refuse collections, vehicle registration, parks and playgrounds, libraries, or planning and development - the point is to serve the community as effectively as possible.

If eliminating the superfluous use of Latin does this - then it's a good thing.

I'm confused. Will council workers now have to research the root of every word they use, because, frankly, there's a pretty good chance that there will be a Latin connection in just about everything they have to say or write?


Words of latin roots aren't the issue. The advice refers to latin jargon phrases that don't get used outside of those phrases in that sense. Iirc the council circulated a list of words they thought should be avoided. They're not getting rid of all latin root words.

I could go on and on.
And continually be irrelevant. Go back and read the article and stop suggesting words like 'computer' are even near what is being suggested/done.

Story here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7705922.stm)

A number of British local authorities have decided that council staff should not use Latin phrases such as "vice versa", "pro rata", or even "via" in speech or writing because use of such "elitist" language is discriminatory and will "confuse people".

The Plain English Campaign said it would avoid common confusions such as between the abbreviation e.g. with "egg". *Facepalm*

I know. Its a minor issue, much more important things going on blah blah blah. But to me, this sort of dumbing down seems idiotic in the extreme. These words have been used for so long that they have become core parts of the English language. Why not eliminate all other words that people might not understand? What next? No words over two syllables?

You want me know words with TWO syl-syl- parts?

I have just one thing to say;

Don't understand? Fuck You.

Or as they say in Latin, "Fucko Youo with a STICKO"

I thought it was "Uckfay ouyay ithway away ickstay"?

But, come on, via? Never mind vice versa and et cetera... via? 's not a phrase, and if I've ever met an English speaker who didn't understand that word, they covered their raised-in-a-cave upbringing pretty well.

Ah! No more! Imma go make paella and pretend that nobody else exists for a while.

I'm reminded of what a professor of mine once said:

The unchecked fascination with using latin terms and phrases can lead us astray and cause more confusion than it's worth. After all, why should one use the rather antiquated term "cessio legis" when one can use the perfectly understandable term "subrogation" instead?

Isn't words like Stadium, auditorium and etcetera Latin words? They better ban them.

What the fuck is wrong with Britain?

Isn't BRITAIN a Latin word? Well, Latin derived at least . . .

Isn't BRITAIN a Latin word? Well, Latin derived at least . . .

Yes, but latin derived words aren't involved in this. They're saying avoid a list of 'these' words, not remove the bulk of the language FFS.

I voted "silly," since I find the idea sensible but the execution rather ridiculous. A guideline that says, "Try to use language that someone without much higher education can understand" makes sense. A guideline that says, "Avoid Latin words and phrases" is silly, because I suspect there are a heck of a lot of regularly-used English phrases more confusing to the average person than "vice versa" or "et cetera."

How fucking patronising do these councils want to be? Jesus Christ.


Can you explain that in less big words?

Also, to be serious, is this being done because of Britain being a big immigration land? It seems, at least from over here, that UK seems to cater too much to people who are not in the majority. While it is good to cater to those who are not the same as the majority of the nation, doesn't it seem a bit too much when you are making it more difficult for the majority to live their normal lives, as to please everyone else?

Hahahaha.


Oh God. I love you Brits. Your governments are almost more amussing than ours.

Also, to be serious, is this being done because of Britain being a big immigration land? It seems, at least from over here, that UK seems to cater too much to people who are not in the majority. While it is good to cater to those who are not the same as the majority of the nation, doesn't it seem a bit too much when you are making it more difficult for the majority to live their normal lives, as to please everyone else?

What? No. This has nothing to do with 'immigration'.

This has to do with the fact that Latin is not taught in the vast, vast, vast majority of schools these days and the people are not educated in it - and they are not educated in it, because there is little day to day need for it.

et cetera?

I mean, they are going to say what.."and other stuff"?

What? No. This has nothing to do with 'immigration'.

This has to do with the fact that Latin is not taught in the vast, vast, vast majority of schools these days and the people are not educated in it - and they are not educated in it, because there is little day to day need for it.



I think it does. Over here everyone that speaks English as the primary language knows all the bits of Latin, no matter the education level. However, among those who are not primary english speakers, I see it being a problem for them to understand such phrases. Its kind of logical, ya know?

Over here everyone that speaks English as the primary language knows all the bits of Latin, no matter the education level.
Oh this should be good.

Source please.

However, among those who are not primary english speakers, I see it being a problem for them to understand such phrases. Its kind of logical, ya know?
They learn English. The language of the land. I think that should be enough for them to live in the country!

Also, to be serious, is this being done because of Britain being a big immigration land? It seems, at least from over here, that UK seems to cater too much to people who are not in the majority. While it is good to cater to those who are not the same as the majority of the nation, doesn't it seem a bit too much when you are making it more difficult for the majority to live their normal lives, as to please everyone else?
How does this make your life more difficult?

"ARGH IT SAYS FOR EXAMPLE INSTEAD OF EG, THIS HAS BROUGHT WOE UPON MY HOUSEHOLD :("

How does this make your life more difficult?

"ARGH IT SAYS FOR EXAMPLE INSTEAD OF EG, THIS HAS BROUGHT WOE UPON MY HOUSEHOLD :("

Did you put a camera in my house???

Erm... I mean...:D

Did you put a camera in my house???

Erm... I mean...:D
No, I don't put cameras in the houses of younger men.

No, I don't put cameras in the houses of younger men.

Hmm, should I read that with this emphasis "No, I don't put cameras in the houses of younger men." or this one "No, I don't put cameras in the houses of younger men."

Don't understand? Fuck You.

The proper translation in Latin for that is: "Futue te ipsum."

To which one would reply, of course: "Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem."

but Latin is sounds cool...

The proper translation in Latin for that is: "Futue te ipsum."

To which one would reply, of course: "Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem."

Haven't studied it in just over a year, and already I've forgotten it all apparently. What is this mean to say? "In earlier times, children like you would have been abandoned to die on a very windy cliff"? I needed a dictionary for that :(

I think it does. Over here everyone that speaks English as the primary language knows all the bits of Latin, no matter the education level. However, among those who are not primary english speakers, I see it being a problem for them to understand such phrases. Its kind of logical, ya know?

Especially those who come from countries where French, Spanish, or Portuguese is the native tongue? Luckily, hardly any immigrants hail from those countries.

Haven't studied it in just over a year, and already I've forgotten it all apparently. What is this mean to say? "In earlier times, I would have left your children on a very windy cliff to their death"? I needed a dictionary for that :(

It means approximately "In the old days, children that resembled you were left to die on windswept crags."

It means approximately "In the old days, children that resembled you were left to die on windswept crags."

As you can see, by my editing of my post, I almost got there in the end :D

As you can see, by my editing of my post, I almost got there in the end :D

Assiduus usus uni rei deditus et ingenium et artem saepe vincit.

Assiduus usus uni rei deditus et ingenium et artem saepe vincit.

"The enjoyment of hard work alone often defeats both skill and ingenuity"?

Do I get a gold star?

Ah, but you can't call it "Jail." It's "Correctional facility" now.

But "Correctional facility" is derived from the Greek,"Jail" is a good Old English Word.

"The enjoyment of hard work alone often defeats both skill and ingenuity"?

Do I get a gold star?

Far too free, but sure, as Virgil ruthlessly thieved from the Greeks in the Aeneid (IIRC): sic itur ad astra.

The proper translation in Latin for that is: "Futue te ipsum."

To which one would reply, of course: "Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem."

Heus, modo itera omnia quae mihi nunc nuper narravisti, sed nunc Anglice?

Feles mala! Cur cista non uteris? Stramentum novum in ea posui.

... Vah! Denuone Latine loquebar? Me ineptum. Interdum modo elabitur.

(In other words: I'm bored; why are you messing around here instead of seducing me away from my uni work as you're supposed to? Bad!)

Personally I think English would benefit from kicking out a few of its gratuitous Latinisms and returning to more of its originally Germanic quality. Intellectuals of the past really went overboard in their adoration of Latin and borrowed far more than necessary, IMO. That's actually where we get those absurd rules about no prepositions at the end of a sentence and not splitting infinitives, from applying the rules of Latin to a language that never had them naturally. But then again I'm something of a language nerd so I tend to pay more attention to such things.

Heus, modo itera omnia quae mihi nunc nuper narravisti, sed nunc Anglice?

Hatte ich es nicht schön getan?

Feles mala! Cur cista non uteris? Stramentum novum in ea posui.

Re vera, cara mea, mea nil refert.

... Vah! Denuone Latine loquebar? Me ineptum. Interdum modo elabitur.

(In other words: I'm bored; why are you messing around here instead of seducing me away from my uni work as you're supposed to? Bad!)

Lingua speciem involutam praebet, sed sat cito eam comprehendes.

Get all skypey then.

Well, I like this. Most Latin which is used in our days is used to confuse. A public facility should make sure that it does not intentionally confuse...

et cetera?

I mean, they are going to say what.."and other stuff"?

Und so weiter

Und so weiter
If etc. is supposedly fucking them up, usw. isn't going to help :tongue:

I have just one thing to say;

Don't understand? Fuck You.

Or as they say in Latin, "Fucko Youo with a STICKO"

Actually, there is a phrase in Latin: "Se Ti Futuas, Gaudeam" which means "If you were to go and f*** yourself, I would rejoice."

If etc. is supposedly fucking them up, usw. isn't going to help :tongue:

I probably don't travel around England enough anymore to be a fair judge, but I'm having a hard time with people being fucked up by e.g.

Even the monkey hangers understand that.

I probably don't travel around England enough anymore to be a fair judge, but I'm having a hard time with people being fucked up by e.g.

Even the monkey hangers understand that.
Aye well supposedly people have messed it up. Can't claim that they're smart people. But they did.

Aye well supposedly people have messed it up. Can't claim that they're smart people. But they did.

I'm willing to bet it's more a case of people not wanting to do what the council stuffs told them to do, then claiming to be confused later on when caught not doing it.

I'm willing to bet it's more a case of people not wanting to do what the council stuffs told them to do, then claiming to be confused later on when caught not doing it.
Or they're from India or the wider Empire and don't use latin terms so much.

I approve of this initiative. Sounds good.

Ridiculous nonsense. If I were a employee of any of these local authorities, I would continue to use latin phrases in my work.

I doubt I would be fired for it.

ooh they call it linguistic equivalent of ethnic cleansing. but they do they say that when local dialects go down the pan

Ridiculous nonsense. If I were a employee of any of these local authorities, I would continue to use latin phrases in my work.

I doubt I would be fired for it.

Congratulations on ultimately making your own job more time consuming

*golf claps*

The Brits! Making us laugh since AD 1066.

The Brits! Making us laugh since AD 1066.

And then some. :)