There is more to Latin than just ‘cramming’ says Nigerian graduate

A Nigerian Catholic priest just graduated with a doctorate from the Salesian University in Rome, says that there is much more to studying the Latin language than just cramming the grammar.

Dr. Fr Kenneth of Oshogbo Diocese in Nigeria recently successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the school of ‘Christian and Classical Letters.’ He has specialised in the study of the Latin language.

Speaking in an interview with Vatican Radio’s Fr Paul Samasumo, Fr. Adesina said all languages, written or spoken express deep sentiments and emotions of a people and an epoch.

“When you study a language you go beyond the signs that are written to know the feelings and sentiments of whoever has spoken or written something,” Fr. Adesina told Vatican Radio. According to Fr Adesina, for someone to have firm grasp of a language, it has to be understood, spoken and written.

It takes eight years to study up to doctoral level at the Salesian University’s faculty of Christian and Classical letters. Fr. Adesina performed so well that he was ready for the defence way before eight years elapsed.

“In the part of the country where I come from, we don’t have a specialist in the Latin language and the Bishop was looking for a priest interested in studying Latin. When the opportunity came my way and I was asked if I had the interest I took it as a challenge and I know the Lord has been giving me direction since,” Fr. Adesina said.

Asked about the relevance of Latin considered by some people to be a ‘dead language’ Fr. Adesina said that, “when we study classical languages we come to understand a little more about the thinking and the feelings of ancient writers be they pagan or Christian. This makes us appreciate the culture and the wisdom of the time,” said the new Latin graduate.

But is it not difficult to study Latin? Fr. Adesina says that it can be done.

“Studying Latin is not all about cramming and reciting grammar. It is about getting into the reality of a people in order to understand our own reality today… When I started speaking my own language, Yoruba, I started speaking it without thinking about the grammar. It was only much later that the understanding of grammar came in. So, if you start with the grammar you may end up still not understanding the language,” Fr. Adesina explained.

Fr. Adesina is hopeful that with his newly acquired doctorate, the Church in Nigeria will find his knowledge useful in translating Church documents into local languages and vice versa. He also looks forward to teaching Latin in Nigeria.

While a student in Rome, Fr. Adesina contributed a weekly reflection on the Sunday readings of the week. His contribution was part of Vatican Radio’s ‘Sunday Liturgy’ programme that is hosted every Saturday evening by Fr. Paul Samasumo. This is an audio programme meant to accompany the listener prepare for the Sunday Eucharistic celebration of that week. The programme comprises readings, a  reflection, some liturgical music and commentaries.

(By Sr. Gloria Yariok, MSPP at Vatican Radio)

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