Speak Latin
Latin Language and Culture Programs
Contrary to the common assumption, one can indeed speak Latin, or at least use the spoken version to facilitate and reinforce learning. Latin is the mother of Italian, French, and Spanish, and a great deal of English vocabulary and grammatical usage derives from this principal language of ancient and medieval Europe. So, the study of Latin is useful in learning and understanding other languages.
Would you like to be able to read the huge inscription on the façade of St. Peter’s basilica in Rome, or the Pantheon, not to mention lots of other fascinating inscriptions, ancient and modern, around Rome and Europe? Would you like to be able to read the works of Cicero, Caesar, Vergil or Ovid in the original, or to follow the old Latin liturgy? Would you like to have a clearer understanding of the workings of your own language? Study Latin!
As with any language, the learning is a long process, but there are pleasures and rewards along the way. For those whose Latin has lapsed, or for those who haven’t had any before, here’s a great place to revive or start it. This is not a crash course, nor is the emphasis on memorizing noun and verb forms. Rather, we use authentic Latin texts from the beginning and a gradual presentation of grammatical “rules” and structures.
Upcoming Classes
Intensive Individual Latin Course
- Instructor: Ruth Bell
- Lesson times: Arranged with instructor
- Course dates: Arranged with instructor
- Registration Fee: $75 (includes first 45 minute lesson)
- Tuition: Hourly lesson fee to instructor is $40
Fundamentals of Latin
A Course for Beginners and Latin Returnees
- Instructor: Ruth Bell
- Lesson times: TBA
- Course dates: TBA **Please contact us if you are interested in a group class**
- Tuition: $225
Course Description:
For all who have ever considered learning Latin, or those who are ready to resume after a lapse of time, here is a chance to begin (or return to) your study of this mother of the Romance languages and most long-lived and wide-spread language of the Western world. In a welcoming atmosphere and at a reasonable pace, you will encounter the principles and essential formal elements of this basic European language. Whether your goal is to read literary texts, understand terms and phrases that are scattered through our own literature and culture, or to gain a better grasp of the grammar of English and other modern languages, you will profit from this experience with Latin.
Not a crash course, this approach minimizes the memorization of noun and verb forms, though vocabulary acquisition is emphasized. Short passages of authentic Latin provide illustrations of syntax and grammar and examples for analysis and practice. The structures of the language are presented gradually and in a systematic and linguistically appropriate way. The course will have an oral component, while the principal focus will be on reading comprehension, and on enjoying the process of learning.
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Speak Abroad – Come with us to Todi
Now Enrolling for 2012!
Fall: June 16-30, 2012
Join Christina Ball (Speak!) and La Lingua, La Vita Italian school in the hill town of Todi for a glorious two week cultural and linguistic immersion experience.
Click here for more info!