Latin is an ancient Human language, the original language of the Romans.
Many Earth proverbs are in Latin and are often used as mottos of starships or installations. A course based on this language is 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:
The term arboretum is derived from the Latin word for tree, arbor. This connection was noted by the Cairn Hedril in 2370. (TNG: "Dark Page")
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")
Mottos
| Phrase | Translation | Application | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Astra per Aspera | "Reach for the Stars Through Adversity" | Earth Starfleet, 2161 | ENT: "These Are the Voyages..." |
| Audentes fortuna iuvat | "Fortune favors the bold" | Columbia (NX-02) | ENT: "Home", "Affliction", "Divergence" |
| Audentes Fortuna Imperii | "The bold (are) the fortune of the empire." | ISS Avenger | ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II" |
| Caveat emptor | "Let the buyer beware." | Applied to the Ferengi Alliance tactics by Data. | TNG: "The Last Outpost" |
| Ex astris scientia | "Knowledge, from the stars." | Starfleet Academy | TNG: "The First Duty" |
| Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges | "In time of war, the law falls silent." | Applied to Section 31 tactics by William Ross. | DS9: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" |
Background
Several episode titles derive from Latin phrases including: