Return to CLAA Classical Grammar I
We now turn our attention to interjections, one of the undeclined parts of speech. Earlier in our study we learned that there are eight parts of speech in Latin: noun, pronoun, verb, and participle, which are declined, and adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection, which are not declined. At the time, this distinction may not have seemed very meaningful, but it becomes clearer as we progress. Interjections belong to the group of words that do not change form, because their function is not grammatical but expressive.
The name “interjection” itself tells us what kind of word this is. It is formed from the preposition inter, meaning “between,” and the participle iectum, meaning “thrown.” An interjection is thus something “thrown in between” other words. It is not carefully structured into a sentence, but breaks into speech suddenly. An interjection expresses the affections of the speaker rather than a logical relation between words. Older grammarians described it as a part of speech that “betokeneth a sudden passion of the mind,” and this idea of suddenness is essential to understanding interjections.
When we speak, we constantly use interjections, often without noticing them. They appear when an emotion arises suddenly and demands expression. When we are frightened, we cry out “Ah!” When we are pleased or excited, we shout “Yes!” When something unfortunate happens, we say “Oh, no!” When we see something amusing, we laugh and say “Ha!” These expressions are not carefully chosen or grammatically constructed; they burst out of us. This is precisely what interjections do.
Although these emotional reactions are natural, the particular sounds and words we use to express them are not. They are taught to us by society. Every society develops its own accepted interjections, and this has moral importance. In good society, people learn interjections that allow them to express emotion in a dignified and respectable way. In bad society, crude or sinful words often take the place of proper interjections, and men learn to express their affections in ways that degrade both themselves and others. This does not mean that those who use such language are beyond correction. Often, all that is needed is to learn better words. For this reason, grammar is not merely an academic exercise. It plays a role in forming speech, manners, and even moral habits within a Christian society.
Sacred Scripture provides many clear examples of interjections, because Scripture records real human speech responding to real events. When a master rejoices in the fidelity of his servant, he exclaims, “Euge, bone serve!” meaning, “Well done, good servant!” When judgment is announced, we hear the cry, “Vae, vae, vae habitantibus in terra!” meaning, “Woe, woe, woe to those dwelling on the earth!” When sorrow overwhelms a father, he says, “Heu, filia mi, decipisti me,” meaning, “Alas, my daughter, you have deceived me.” In mourning, we hear, “O mors, quam amara est memoria tua,” meaning, “O death, how bitter is your memory.” When terror strikes, Scripture says, “Et ecce terraemotus est magnus,” meaning, “And behold, there was a great earthquake.”
In each of these examples, the interjection gives immediate voice to emotion: joy, anger, sorrow, grief, or fear. These sounds are not animal noises like barking or grunting. They are human expressions shaped by language and tradition. Because of this, we must study interjections deliberately, learning the words that the best writers and speakers use, and adopting them in our own speech and writing.
It is also important to recognize that an interjection does not have to be a word that exists only as an interjection. Any part of speech can function as an interjection if it is used to express a sudden and confused affection of the mind. For example, instead of saying, “I am sorry,” we may simply say “Sorry!” In greeting someone, we may say “Ave!” or “Salve!” These words come from verbs. Ave comes from habere, meaning “to be well” or “to be happy,” and originally functions as an imperative meaning “Be well!” When such a word is shouted suddenly to express feeling rather than instruction, it takes on the character of an interjection.
Interjections have only one grammatical property, and that is signification. They do not have number, gender, case, tense, or any other grammatical variation. Their meaning lies entirely in what they signify emotionally. There are twelve basic kinds of signification expressed by interjections. Some express praising, such as Euge. Some express scorning, such as Vah. Some express rejoicing, such as Euax or Vah. Some express sorrow, such as Ah, Heu, Hei, Hoi, and Oh. Others express admiration, such as Papae, O, Vah, Hui, and Atat. Mocking may be expressed by Hei or O. Exclaiming may be expressed by Pro or O. Silence may be commanded by St. Fear may be expressed by Hei. Laughter may be expressed by Ha ha. Rejection may be expressed by Apage or Apagesis. Cursing may be expressed by Vae, Nefas, Infandum, or Malum.
These words must be memorized, because they occur frequently in Latin texts, and their meaning cannot be deduced from declension or syntax. They must simply be recognized and understood immediately.
With this, we complete our study of interjections. The topic itself is simple, but its importance should not be underestimated. Interjections show us how language gives shape to emotion, and how disciplined speech reflects disciplined thought and character. As we move forward, we will carry this understanding with us into our final work in grammar.
Memory Work
1. REVIEW: How many parts of speech are there?
There are eight parts of speech: Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Participle; Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection. The first four are declined, the last four are undeclined.
2. What is an interjection?
An interjection is a part of speech which declares different affections of the mind.
3. How many things belong to an interjection?
One: signification.
4. How many significations of interjections are there?
There are 12 basic significations.
- of Praising, as: Euge;
- of Scorning, as: Vah;
- of Rejoicing, as: Euax, Vah;
- of Sorrow, as: Ah, Heu, Hei, Hoi, Oh;
- of Admiring, as: Papae, O, Vah, Hui, Atat;
- of Mocking, as: Hei, O;
- of Exclaiming, as: Pro, O;
- of Making Silent, as: St;
- of Fearing, as: Hei;
- of Laughing, as: Ha ha;
- of Rejecting, as: Apage, Apagesis;
- of Cursing, as: Vae, Nefas, Infandum, Malum.
Note: The examples above should be memorized.
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