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Have you ever been asked by your students or your own child where certain words came from? Usually, we might respond to such questions with a general answer or an, “I’m not sure why we call it that.” It’s no secret that many English words were formed from parts of other words derived directly from the Latin or Greek languages, but I think that many people would be surprised to know just how much modern English reflects these themes and characters.
One example of this is the word “echo”. This word is so commonly used in the English language, it would be easy to overlook its origin altogether. According to Greek mythology though, “Echo” was the name of a talkative mountain nymph who was cursed by the Goddess Hera to only be able to say the last words spoken to her. She fell in love with a handsome man, but unable to proclaim her love, Echo had to watch as (get this) Narcissus fell in love with himself. Now, “narcissism” is a regular term used to describe a person who has an unreasonably high sense of self-importance.
Similar to the cases of Echo and Narcissus, there are over 150,000 words that are of Greek or Latin origin. In fact, it’s estimated that over 60% of English words borrowed in one way or another from one of these languages. By examining the Latin root “bene,” signifying “good” in words like benefit, benevolent, or benign, and the Greek root “chrono,” denoting “time” in terms like chronological pdf r synchronized, it becomes clear that understanding these roots in isolation offers valuable insights.
By being explicitly taught that the Greek suffix “logy” means “the study of”, a student will be better able to understand the meanings of words that are unfamiliar to them. Think of the word chronology, even without having seen this word before, if we know that “chrono” means time and we apply our knowledge of the root “logy”, we are better able to understand that chronology is the study of time.
Building a strong vocabulary by learning new words helps students to understand what they read because they can understand and recognize more words in a text. Background knowledge, like knowing about different places, events, and ideas, can also help students understand what they read because they can connect the new information to what they already know. When we have a bigger vocabulary and more background knowledge, it’s like having tools that make it easier to figure out the meaning of a story or article, which makes reading and learning more enjoyable.
Studies have found that when students learn about word roots and affixes, it empowers them to independently understand new words on their own because they are able to see the connections between words and word families. This, in turn, will improve their reading comprehension and writing skills, and it won’t hurt them to have these tools when state testing comes around either!
The knowledge of word roots and affixes isn’t only useful when it comes to exams, though; it’s a skill that serves students throughout their lives. A strong vocabulary aids in academic success, professional advancement and overall ability to communicate effectively.
In fact, many professionals need a strong foundation in this topic, as it is the basis of most of the English language. Doctors and nurses use Greek and Latin roots to understand and communicate complex medical terminology. For instance, the Latin root “cardio” (meaning heart) is found in words like “cardiology” (the study of the heart). Scientists often encounter technical terms rooted in Greek and Latin when describing their findings. Biologists, for example, use Latin and Greek roots to name species and describe biological processes. Teachers can use their understanding of word roots to teach vocabulary more effectively, helping students build a strong vocabulary and comprehend texts better.
In a world where language plays a pivotal role in communication and understanding, giving the next generation the invaluable tool of Greek and Latin roots is paramount. This knowledge not only enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension but also opens doors to numerous professional opportunities and enriching personal experiences.
To take a meaningful step toward this goal, I encourage you to explore my “Greek and Latin Roots Bundle.” By investing in this bundle, you are not only supporting the educational journey of students but also contributing to their future success. Together, let’s empower the next generation with the linguistic skills they need to thrive.
