Latin

I heard some programme on the BBC World Service Radio today about latin phrases.

The narrator identified how latin phrases were so commonly used as mottos around the world by institutions and organisations.

She pointed out a few and commented that making it latin makes it sound more profound, more impactful and make an otherwise cliche phrase sound majestic.

Take the motto of Tottenham Hotspur F.C. for example. Audere est Facere. Now that sounds really awesome. But what it really means is "To Dare is To Do". Something closer to Singapore, nothing without labour (Victoria School's motto) sounds kinda boring and cliche. But nil sine labore sounds like something you'd find on some nobleman's coat of arms. Well I've been experimenting with latin phrases for my email signatures and I finally settled on Semper Fidelis. Which means yours faithfully and it also happens to be the US Marines motto.

Not that I want to sound sophisticated or anything, but I do believe there is truth when the journalist who wrote that radio entry said that Latin phrases just brings out a lot more omph and meaning to an otherwise ordinary phrase. It shows a deeper truth and it some respect a warmer tone.

Hmm. Some real good food for thought.