LATIN is considered a “dead language”, because no new words are being added to it, and it is not used in everyday situations anymore. Nonetheless, Latin influenced many European languages related to it, and English, naturally, still keeps a few souvenirs from its ancestor.

At school, you will hear the word “alumni” sooner or later. This word refers to the students that graduated from a school (though it can also be expanded to any organisation). This word is lifted wholesale from Latin, and in that language, it actually means “foster son” or “pupil” – very appropriate when describing a student who is essentially raised by a new family that is the school he or she attends. Remember, though, that “alumni” is actually the plural form; a male student is an alumnus, while a female student is an alumna.

One Latin-sourced phrase that might be a little trickier to understand is “pro rata”. This is an adverb that often turns up in business; it is derived from the Latin phrase “pro rata parte”, which means “according to the fixed proportion”. When used, it means the related action is done so everything is equal. So if something is given out “pro rata”, that means everyone gets the same amount. There is even a verb to describe this: to “prorate”.

In Crime stories, detectives often ask suspects about their alibi, or the claim that shows they could not have committed a crime, often because they were seen somewhere else. In Latin, “alibi” means “elsewhere” or “somewhere else”. English, naturally, found it convenient to condense “claim you were somewhere else” down into one simple noun.

Credits: Issue 19, 2 March 2023 (Thursday) by Quest from hkej

1. nonetheless (adv) 然而

2. souvenir (n) 紀念品

3. graduate (v) 畢業

4. wholesale (adj) 完全的

5. foster (adj) 代養的

6. detective (n) 偵探

ALUMNI used to mean “foster son”. Many organisations and schools like to say they are “like a family”, to show that they are kind and caring to their members like real family members. Of course, in such “family units”, some individuals are referred to as “prodigal sons”, based on a story in the Bible. This means a person rejected the group and left to do things on their own, and returns feeling regretful but may be unwelcomed.

Credits: Issue 19, 02 March 2023 (Thursday) by Quest from hkej

Metaphors are comparisons that don’t use “like” or “as”. They make language more interesting by linking unrelated things.

1. “Time is a thief” – In this metaphor, time is compared to a thief to convey the idea that time can pass quickly and steal moments from our lives.

2. “Life is a rollercoaster” – This metaphor compares the ups and downs, twists and turns of life to the exhilarating and unpredictable nature of a roller coaster.

3. “He/she has a heart of gold” – This metaphor describes someone as kind, generous, and compassionate by comparing their heart to the precious metal gold.

4. “Love is a battlefield” – This metaphor likens the experience of love to a battlefield, highlighting the conflicts, challenges, and emotional struggles, that can arise in relationships.

5. “Her voice is music to my ears” – This metaphor compares the pleasing sound of someone’s voice to the beauty and enjoyment of listening to music.

Below are links to free English Language Learning Materials:

BBC English

Speak Street Worksheet

British Council Learn English

Caro Kowanz English