I suspect most readers then couldn't construct a sentence either but deciphering a short passage when you know the context is much more doable.

I agree. I only know a smattering of latin phrases and words but would be hard pressed to construct even a basic sentence that is grammatically correct. For such a foundational language to our modern world (Everything from *Principia mathematica* to *Lex mercatoria*) it seems a great shame that it has slipped through the fingers of most of the public.

Maybe a new renaissance is due?

chungkingexpress

He did not explain or contextualise the story, he just assumed that I knew.

I love reading stuff aimed at the generally educated reader from those decades past.

The untranslated Latin or French quotes that you’re expected to understand, unapologetic inclusion of simple mathematics, and literary allusions all serve to signal what you should reasonably have a conversant handle on.

Politics_And_Law

The pagan gods of politics [Original essay]

> He did not explain or contextualise the story, he just assumed that I knew.

I love reading stuff aimed at the generally educated reader from those decades past. 

The untranslated Latin or French quotes that you’re expected to understand, unapologetic inclusion of simple mathematics, and literary allusions all serve to signal what you should reasonably have a conversant handle on.