Latin is an ancient Human language that originated on ancient Earth, in Europe, first spoken by humans in the regions surrounding Rome. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, and influenced later human languages, including English. Languages which evolved directly from Latin - such as French, Spanish, Italian - are referred to as Romance languages.
Even though the language was no longer in everyday use by the 24th century, Latin was still quite influential, and a course on Latin was offered at Starfleet Academy. Wesley Crusher took this course, and was able to tell Captain Jean-Luc Picard that his Latin was better than before. (TNG episode: "The Game")
Latin phrases were widely used in mottoes. An example of this was the motto of Starfleet Academy, Ex astris scientia, or From the Stars, Knowledge. (TOS novel: The Captain's Daughter)
The United Federation of Planets suggested that when dealing with the Ferengi that people remember the old Latin proverb, Caveat emptor, or Let the buyer beware. (TNG episode: "The Last Outpost")
James T. Kirk's Latin professor used to say "finis opus coronat" when he handed out the final exams. (TOS novel: Spock Must Die!)
Keiko O'Brien taught her students Jake Sisko and Nog Latin. (DS9 novel: The Long Night)
Phrases[]
- Ad astra, Latin for "To the stars". (DS9 novel: Fearful Symmetry)
- Ex astris, scientia is Latin for, "From the stars, knowledge".
- Cogito, ergo sum is Latin for, "I think, therefore, I am." (TNG episode: "Ship in a Bottle")
- Fiat justitia ruat cælum is a Latin legal phrase, meaning "Let justice be done though the heavens fall." (DS9 - Rebels novel: The Conquered)
- Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges is Latin for, "In time of war, the law falls silent." (DS9 episode: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges")
- Finis opus coronat is Latin for, "The end crowns the work." (TOS novel: Spock Must Die!)
- Qui bono: Who benefits? (DS9 novel: Bloodletter)
- Sic transit gloria mundi is Latin for, "Thus passes the glory of this world." (TOS - Mirror Universe novel: The Sorrows of Empire)
Connections[]
External links[]
- Latin article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Latin article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Latin article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.