Friday, November 21, 2008

Lost in translation

Jason loves his job. And he's an amazing teacher. Latin and Ancient Greek don't always sound appealing to teenagers. They sound hard, old, and generally un-fun. But J's class is different. Here's a quick story from his class yesterday.

Mr. Lichte: So iste means "that dastardly one." Does anyone use words like that these days? Do you guys even know what that means?

Class: Blank deer-in-the-headlights stares.

Mr. Lichte: How about "that sneaky person?" Do you guys ever say things like that?

Class: Blank deer-in-the-headlights stares.

Mr. Lichte: So John,* what would be a better word? Something you'd use that everyone would understand?

John: [Thinking...] A**hole.

Mr. Lichte: Absolutely not. You know that's not an adjective. We need an adjective. Try again.

John: [more thinking...] Sh*##y.

Mr. Lichte: Maybe we should just stick with iste.

*Name changed to protect the innocent (and creative).

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