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comment by veen
veen  ·  2867 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Dear Hubski, what language do you speak?

I'm native Dutch. During high school I had classes in 7 different languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Latin, Greek and even some Frisian. Because I was a nerdy kid who spent too much time on the Internet, English lessons were always easy-peasy for me in high school. I'd say I'm as close to native as I can be,because I will probably never pronounce "three threatening trees" right. Interestingly, I was taught British English (the 'proper' version, somewhere between BBC and Cockney) but since my time in Canada that has worn off. Now I'm closer to Dutch and American than I was to British English.

My German is hopeless when it comes to grammar but I can fool a native with my German accent.

At the time of learning the languages I couldn't care less about them. Especially the elitist Greek and Latin, because I was never going to use them anyway. Looking back on it, the languages did teach me how diverse language can be. It ingrained the belief that language can be both very limiting and very liberating. That to understand someone's view properly, you should try to speak their language (or at least understand the difference).

But I do sincerely hope I will never have to translate Tarquinius ever again.





elizabeth  ·  2867 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Forgot about Latin. I think it's the only class I've ever come close to failing in my whole life. Torture. :(

veen  ·  2867 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I actually failed Latin (5/10, pass at 5,5/10) but we were allowed to have two 5's or one 4 at graduation. My study plan back then was almost entirely focused on not getting three 5's.

In retrospect, the teacher was cool and some texts were amazing, like translating accounts of the Pompeii eruption. Catullus' poems were also funny. But I just knew that every bit of effort beyond the bare minimum would never pay off. I've already forgotten most of the grammar rules and vocabulary, so I don't regret failing it.

hyperflare  ·  2867 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Tarquinius? What'd he write, I don't remember him?

(Ovid is the worst roman author though)

veen  ·  2867 days ago  ·  link  ·  

For my Latin high school Central Exams (which is like a bossfight version of a final that you need to pass at the end of highschool about everything you've learned) our year's topic was Livy's Ab Urbe Condita. Some texts are about Tarquinius the Arrogant, and on those Central Exams we had to translate a text from Livy about Tarquinius concerning Lucretia's suicide. Fitting text, as I also wanted to stab myself in the heart in that moment.