Latin is an Italic language, which was earlier spoken in Rome. It is now considered as a dead language, since it has no fluent speakers left. However, many schools continue to teach Latin to produce a new family of modern language other than English. Latin is considered as the daughter of the Romance language and is the only one living family of Italic languages.
The Latin language is the most inflected language, with three distinct genders, four verb conjugations, six persons, seven noun cases, six tenses, three moods, two aspects, two voices and a distinction between the plural and singular numbers. Latin uses the demonstrative pronouns but lacks the use of articles. There are six different types of nouns in the Latin case. It plays the most important role in the sentence, so word order in Latin is not that important as it is in English.
Latin is a rewarding language but difficult also. However, in Latin you have to read it first and then learn to speak and write.
Here are some simple steps that will teach you how to read Latin.
Steps:
- Vocabulary: As it is with all the languages, it is very important to know the vocabulary of the language even before you know to read, write or speak the language. It is not possible to identify the patterns without knowing what the words are actually representing. Learning to read Latin starts with learning to identify the vocabulary.
- Grammar and Verbs: All the Latin verbs are very similar to the Romance language that is French and Portuguese. The only best way to learn to verbs is by repeating and memorizing them. Get yourself familiarized with the verb chart and then keep on practicing. Always remember that in Latin it is not important to have a written subject like in English “I, you, she, it, he.” Instead, in Latin, a subject is decided by the ending of the verb or the conjugation, and the verbs are divided in four different parts. Learn each very fully before you proceed to the next verb.read Latin Once you have understood the basic conjugation, then you can move to other aspects of grammar.
- Declension: The only thing that distinguishes Latin from all the other languages is that it is inflated language. All the grammatical things in Latin are declined. There are mainly five types of declensions a, e, i, o, u in which all are separated into four different categories of tense. They have first-person singular, second-person singular and second-person plural. Every category of tense is then split into six different cases: genitive, dative, accusative, ablative, nominative, vocative and locative. Therefore, in Latin you will find 120 different endings for every noun, pronoun and adjective. These all can be learnt through proper memorization and application.
- Application and Practice: To say that Latin is a difficult language it is an understatement. The complexity in the language does not mean that it is impossible to learn. More than 100 grammar rules, verb ending, declensions and vocabulary can be easily learnt through memorization. While you are reading Latin, it is very important to have a chart along with you for better understanding of the language. Always keep in mind that learning to read Latin will take sometime. Practice reading the language by translating it and forming your own sentences with the vocabulary. Remember that there is nothing like simple Latin so chose an interesting text and start translating it. For instance, Harry Potter is available in Latin so buy a copy and start translating. Carpe diem (seize the fish)!
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