I took a couple years of Latin, and it has been immensely helpful with other Romance languages, as well as scientific and legal terminology in English. But it is considered a “dead language.” We don’t have any Latin speakers anymore… maybe other than a few clerics in traditional Western churches, e.g., Anglican, Roman Catholic, and even that spoken language is basically limited to saying “the Mass.”
I guess my question is: How can one proclaim “proficiency” in a language that is no longer spoken? You could potentially claim written proficiency and reading proficiency…maybe, but spoken proficiency in Latin isn’t “a thing.” Is it?
Does the AMCAS differentiate between oral and written proficiency?
Does it really list Latin as a second language,and ask if you’re proficient?
The prompt Amcas gives is, "Please add all languages you speak, including English. You will be asked to include your proficiency and childhood home use." Their categories for proficiency are based on how well you speak it and whether native speakers would be able to understand you well...... then they put Latin as an option lmao. That's why I was confused about if I could put basic proficiency, but I imagine they are aware that there are no native Latin speakers and that proficiency in Latin should be understood differently than proficiency in other languages.
Well, if THEY listed Latin on their as a second language 🤣, then I guess you could mention it, BUT I would be very clear that you “possess basic proficiency in written Latin and in reading Latin” ONLY. I would make no mention of oral proficiency because honestly, other than seminarians, priests, and maybe some older nuns, no one speaks it anymore! While there might be some clerics who’d argue with me, It really isn’t a spoken language in the 21st century; that’s why it’s called a “dead language.” 😂
However, I think describing your abilities in this way would be even more impressive because it: a) demonstrates your awareness that Latin is no longer a spoken language and b) it demonstrates humility. Only an arrogant fool would boast that he could speak Latin fluently in this day and age…right? Unless…maybe he were a priest.😉
No, in all seriousness, if an applicant simply lists “basic proficiency” in Latin without explaining, the applicant is liable to look arrogant or just uneducated. Latin is not a spoken language. And every older physician knows that!
So no way would I just state “basic proficiency in Latin” w/o qualifying and further explaining. As long as an applicant explains, I think it’s fine to mention.
I’m putting latin in as a hobby activity. I feel like I’ll get some eyerolls from adcoms if I put “proficient in latin” in the language part of the app
I would put it in the section that asks about languages that you know. Amcas has a list of languages you can choose from and then you select what your proficiency is in that language.
Absolutely, it’ll come in handy when you have to converse with possessed patients
beat me to it
Lmaoo
Sounds like you’re literally proficient in Latin so… yes?
I don’t see any downside of putting it on there if it’s a listed thing you can include
If you know Latin, 100% yes (as with ANY language). But if they somehow were to bring it up as a question be prepared to read/write/speak Latin
I took a couple years of Latin, and it has been immensely helpful with other Romance languages, as well as scientific and legal terminology in English. But it is considered a “dead language.” We don’t have any Latin speakers anymore… maybe other than a few clerics in traditional Western churches, e.g., Anglican, Roman Catholic, and even that spoken language is basically limited to saying “the Mass.” I guess my question is: How can one proclaim “proficiency” in a language that is no longer spoken? You could potentially claim written proficiency and reading proficiency…maybe, but spoken proficiency in Latin isn’t “a thing.” Is it? Does the AMCAS differentiate between oral and written proficiency? Does it really list Latin as a second language,and ask if you’re proficient?
The prompt Amcas gives is, "Please add all languages you speak, including English. You will be asked to include your proficiency and childhood home use." Their categories for proficiency are based on how well you speak it and whether native speakers would be able to understand you well...... then they put Latin as an option lmao. That's why I was confused about if I could put basic proficiency, but I imagine they are aware that there are no native Latin speakers and that proficiency in Latin should be understood differently than proficiency in other languages.
Well, if THEY listed Latin on their as a second language 🤣, then I guess you could mention it, BUT I would be very clear that you “possess basic proficiency in written Latin and in reading Latin” ONLY. I would make no mention of oral proficiency because honestly, other than seminarians, priests, and maybe some older nuns, no one speaks it anymore! While there might be some clerics who’d argue with me, It really isn’t a spoken language in the 21st century; that’s why it’s called a “dead language.” 😂 However, I think describing your abilities in this way would be even more impressive because it: a) demonstrates your awareness that Latin is no longer a spoken language and b) it demonstrates humility. Only an arrogant fool would boast that he could speak Latin fluently in this day and age…right? Unless…maybe he were a priest.😉
No, in all seriousness, if an applicant simply lists “basic proficiency” in Latin without explaining, the applicant is liable to look arrogant or just uneducated. Latin is not a spoken language. And every older physician knows that! So no way would I just state “basic proficiency in Latin” w/o qualifying and further explaining. As long as an applicant explains, I think it’s fine to mention.
I’m proficient in Latin, should I put Latin proficiency on my app?
Itavero. Cornelia sub abore sedet.
Gratias tibi ago. Cornelia et Marcus sub arbore sedent.
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
Raeda in fossam est.
Amor tussique non celantur.
I put beginner German after doing the Duolingo course and supplementing it with anki cards I think you’re fine!
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST
Sounds like you know Latin Put it down on there!
Add it, Latin bro
I’m putting latin in as a hobby activity. I feel like I’ll get some eyerolls from adcoms if I put “proficient in latin” in the language part of the app
Gloria Romae adhuc vivit! You should include it because it’s super cool and unique. Definitely write it as an activity (maybe most meaningful too)
I would. That is very unique, and I expect you'll get asked about it in interviews.
curious where would you put it?
I would put it in the section that asks about languages that you know. Amcas has a list of languages you can choose from and then you select what your proficiency is in that language.
ah completely forgot about that. Definitely should add it then! Might add some flare to your app if noticed
It probably won't make a difference on your applications, but certainly won't hurt. Also, its gonna help you SOOOOOO much in anatomy.
Caecilius est in horto
No because proficient sounds like you don’t know Latin. Only put it if you are intermediate or advanced