Diploma for a new graduate refers to the state as "Republica" but the US as "reiquepublicae"
Distinction in Latin?

Graduate from what institutions? The lowly public institution from which I graduated has done away completely with Latin. Originally its motto was, "Doctrina urbi serviat;" now it's plain old English, "Let knowledge serve the city." It seems Latin does not serve the city of Portland, Oregon.

Daughter just graduated BU Law.

Near the top the diploma refers to "Republica" of Massachusetts.

Towards the bottom it cites "Reiquepublicae" of America.

Wondered if there's a distinction.

quote:

Near the top the diploma refers to "Republica" of Massachusetts.Towards the bottom it cites "Reiquepublicae" of America.

The diplomas were bought at a discount due to typos.

Interesting, Robert, and congratulations to your daughter!

When I look up Reiquepublicae in Google scholar, it just translates it as Reiquepublicae. Maybe our Latin scholar, arnie, will know?

It's just a guess but I'd say they are trying to indicate singular for Massachusetts and plural (i.e. all the states) for America.

But why not Res Publica instead of Republica?

What is the whole Latin phrase?

In Republica Massachusettensi Senatus et Curatores Omnibus Ad Quo Hae Litterae Pervenerint Salutem in Domino Semptiernam...

Then

Datum ex aedibus Universitatis Die XVIII Mensis Maii Anno Salutis nostrae MMXIV Reiquepublicae Americanae CCXXXVIII

quote:

In Republica Massachusettensi Senatus et Curatores Omnibus Ad Quo Hae Litterae Pervenerint Salutem in Domino Semptiernam...ThenDatum ex aedibus Universitatis Die XVIII Mensis Maii Anno Salutis nostrae MMXIV Reiquepublicae Americanae CCXXXVIII

I think that's from a Harry Potter novel.

I think "reiquepublucae" is the genitive of "resquepublica", a suffixed form of "respublica" ("public matter"), an older form of "republica".

"que" is "and". So "Anno Salutis nostrae MMXIV Reiquepublicae Americanae CCXXXVIII" is "in the year of our prosperty 2014 and of the American republic 238"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: goofy, June 07, 2014 02:32