The languages known today as "Latin" (also known as "Romanic") have historical roots in the old language of Rome, which itself descended from an ancient Proto-Indo-European language. However, few who speak modern "Latin" languages can read and comprehend their progenitor (forefather).
Historical Usage
Latin was commonly used as an international language of communication until the 18th century and has long been the language of the Academy. It is also the official language of the Roman Catholic Church and was heavily influential in the protestant reformation and renaissance.
Current Usage
Even in recent times Latin has been the standard classical language taught in many schools where classical literature and classical forms of education are prominent. Its legacy continues among those who wish to keep it alive today through the Living Latin movement, which attempts to teach Latin both as a spoken and written form of communication.
Current Usage
Even in recent times Latin has been the standard classical language taught in many schools where classical literature and classical forms of education are prominent. Its legacy continues among those who wish to keep it alive today through the Living Latin movement, which attempts to teach Latin both as a spoken and written form of communication.
For Further Investigation
There are currently more Latin resources available on the internet than one can dinumerare (number).
Here is an introductory list of some online Latin resources:
- The Cambridgre Latin Course has an Independent Learner's page and E-learning Resource page
- The Latin & Greek Study Groups page offers the Latin Study List
- There is a free online Latin Course for the Virtual School of Languages
- Wikipedia's Latin entry has some valuable information about past and present Latin
- There is also a Wikipedia entry that discusses Latin Grammar
- And be sure to take a look at the Latin Wikipedia where all the articles are written or translated in Latin!
- You can impress your friends with a little knowledge of Latin's influence in English
- You can even learn some conversational Latin on You Tube
- Or take a look at a list of Latin phrases
- Learn101.org has pictorial lists of body parts in Latin, pages with more grammar and audio, additional vocabulary with pictures and an exam is included
