Latin was an ancient Human language, the original language of the Romans.

Many Earth proverbs were in Latin and were often used as mottos of starships or installations. A course based on this language was taught at Starfleet Academy. (TNG: "The Game")

When Wesley Crusher was on leave from Starfleet Academy, Captain Jean-Luc Picard checked on his Latin by asking him:

"Quomodo tua Latinitas est?" ("How is your Latin?")

Wesley responded:

"Praestat quam prius." ("It's better than before.")

whereupon the Captain responded:

"Oppido bonum." (Mistranslation of, "Very good.") (TNG: "The Game")

The term arboretum was derived from the Latin word for tree, arbor. This connection was noted by the Cairn Hedril in 2370. (TNG: "Dark Page")

Q remembered Vash was called persona non grata on Betazed. (DS9: "Q-Less")

The holographic Henry Burleigh advised his governess Lucille Davenport, played by Captain Kathryn Janeway: "In ullam rem ne properemus", ("Let's not rush into anything") and asked her whether her Latin was a little rusty when the Captain didn't understand his remark. Janeway admitted that her Latin was indeed a little rusty. (VOY: "Learning Curve")

Appendices Edit

Background information Edit

Several episode titles derive from Latin phrases including:

• TNG: "Sub Rosa" - "Under the rose", an expression meaning "secretly".
• DS9:
  • "Dramatis Personae"- "The persons of the drama".
  • "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" - literally "Amongst arms the laws become mute", but translated by Bashir as "In times of war, the law falls silent"
• VOY:
  • "Ex Post Facto" - "After the fact"
  • "Non Sequitur" - "It does not follow"
  • "Alter Ego" - "Other self"
• ENT:
  • "Terra Nova" - "New Earth"
  • "Vox Sola" - "Lone Voice"

External linksEdit

• Latin at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Latin at Wikipedia