Unlike phrases, translating mottos from Latin to English often requires more leeway in understanding the meaning behind a literal translation. Artistic license is used at times. Not for the Marines! Learn about Semper Fi; remember November 10, 2009 is the 234 year anniversary of the US Marine Corps.
The English language is filled with Latin phrases, some hundreds if not thousands of years old. The Latin language has especially influenced areas such as law, theology, science, and education. Many old institutions such as military branches and universities retain Latin mottos from the days of their inception, a time when Latin was losing its influence as the language of scholarship.
Although fewer and fewer people understand Latin, it retains an air of sophistication even though its users no longer speak the language. In the hundreds of common Latin phrases and mottos found in English, Latin lives on. Below are three examples of such mottos accompanied by a dissection of their grammatical constructions as well as a literal translation. Readers may be surprised to find that the accepted translation of these mottos sometimes agrees and sometimes differs from a literal translation.
A Translation of the United States Marine Corps’ Motto: Semper Fidelis
Semper Fidelis is the motto of the United States Marine Corps. However, the phrase itself dates back long before the Marine Corps (or the United States for that matter) ever existed. As far back as the 14th century, Semper Fidelis served as a popular family motto often adorning a family crest. This Latin phrase also served as the motto of several European cities including Exeter, England and St. Malo, France.
The Marine Corps adopted Semper Fidelis (sometimes abbreviated “Semper Fi”) in 1883 as suggested by Col. Charles McCawley (1827-1891). Since then, it has served as the official motto. It is interesting to note that prior to this date, the Marine Corps had no less than three other official mottos since their formation 234 years ago, November 10, 1775.
The word Semper is an indeclinable adverb meaning “always” or “at all times.” Indeclinable means that unlike other Latin parts of speech, it never changes its form. Fidelis is simply the nominative singular form of the word Fidelis (genitive Fidele) meaning “faithful” or “trusty.” Together, Semper Fidelis literally means “Always Faithful.” This is one of the few times when the common translation and the literal translation of a motto match perfectly.
Translating Veritas: The Motto of Harvard University
Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It is interesting to note that Harvard is incorporated in Cambridge, Massachusetts as “The President and Fellows of Harvard College. Harvard has adopted for its motto several Latin phrases over its long history, finally settling on Veritas for use on its coat of arms. As a single word, it is not a motto in the truest sense. However, the university continues to use this word as often as other universities use their mottos. So, for the sake of simplicity, Veritias is generally considered Harvard’s motto.
Veritias is a feminine third-declension noun meaning “truth” or “reality.” In the genitive case (veritatis), its meaning changes to “honesty.” That’s about it for Harvard’s motto. Perhaps in its simplicity, Harvard wishes to convey a single, non-ambiguous sentiment rather than leave its motto up for metaphoric interpretation.