Contents

1. What is a dead language?
2. How many dead languages are there?
3. 4 reasons why dead languages should be taught in schools
4. Where can you study dead languages?

Learning a dead language isn’t as outdated as it sounds! We’re here to tell you how it can give you an intellectual edge over your peers in school and set you up for future success.

One of the best ways to stay continuously motivated to learn is to explore new interests. 

From learning how to code, discovering more about AI, or reading diverse books outside the school syllabus,  there are always new and exciting learning opportunities to discover. Learning a dead language is one of the best ways to spark your curiosity, and GoStudent can help you in your studies. 

What is a dead language? 🤔 

Dead languages are those that no longer have a native-speaking community. 

How many dead languages are there? 🤔

Frequently studied dead languages include Latin, Ancient Greek, Coptic, Mandan, Gothic, and Sanskrit. However, there are actually 579 extinct languages in total! 

4 reasons why you should study a dead language 🤔

#1 Builds social skills 

All modern languages have their roots in dead languages. For instance, Latin is the parent of modern romance languages including Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. 

By knowing Latin, you will have a strong foundation for learning these other foreign languages. ✊ If you have dreams of travelling around Europe, knowing Latin will make learning the basics of many European languages much easier.

Learning new languages builds social skills and can open doors to new professional opportunities and friendships.  

#2 Boosts academic performance 

Dead languages are highly formulaic in design with precise and even complex sentence structures. So mastering a dead language can help you overcome the fear of language learning!  💪 After all, if you can master a dead language, then you can pretty much master any language!

Learning complex dead languages also helps improve skills like mental alertness, analytical thinking, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. These skills are relevant in many subjects, and will undoubtedly boost student academic success across the board.

#3 Ensures career success  

When you learn a dead language, you are demonstrating that you are up for a challenge and willing to take extra steps to succeed. These are very appealing traits for many employers! Mastering a dead language can be a promising step towards career success for you.

In addition, knowing multiple foreign languages (which comes easier to students who know a dead language) will diversify your career prospects – whether that’s access to higher leadership positions or prestigious diplomatic posts in the Government. If you want to live abroad one day, too, knowing another language is often essential for employment in foreign countries. 👊   

#4 Promotes cultural enhancement 

The world’s fundamental literature across all disciplines has been written in dead languages. 

By learning a dead language they can access this ancient knowledge in its purest form! 

Imagine reading Socrates’ philosophical debates, Patanjali’s yoga scriptures or the Old Testament in the language it was first meant to be communicated to the world.

Understanding a dead language gives you a far sharper intellectual edge than your peers. Dead languages also serve as a window into the history and culture of ancient civilizations. If you’re interested in learning more about world history or even the development of modern political systems, studying a dead language can be incredibly beneficial. 

Where can you study dead languages? 

If you don’t want to wait till University before you learn a dead language there are some great online courses that can give you a head start! 

In addition, if you are more inclined toward exploring modern languages, here are the best YouTube channels to learn them.

At GoStudent, we believe in students' holistic development. So reach out to us with requests for tutors who specialise in dead languages and we’ll connect you to the best one for your child.

Or book a trial session with one of our tutors for curriculum subject support. With GoStudent’s help, you’ll have the time to help your child explore other niche interests, like learning a dead language! 🚀