Learning Latin

[plainswolf]

Can anyone provide some good resources for learning the Latin language?

Thank you!
J.M.J.
plainswolf

 

[Alexis OCA]

This is a good spot to learn some prayers:

http://home.earthlink.net/~thesaurus/

 

[Alexis OCA]

If Ecclesiastical Latin is your thing get:


Latin Grammar
Preparation for the Reading of the Missal and Breviary
By: Scanlon & Scanlon

Prepares students to read the Roman Missal and Breviary. 195 pp. of grammar and a 130-page Latin-English glossary, containing all the words in the Roman Missal and the Roman Breviary. Lessons and readings from these two books, plus from the Latin Vulgate Bible. Fantastic tool for the study of Church Latin.

TAN Books has it for $18.

 

[Carrye]

I learned with Wheelock. As I understand it, there's now a workbook to go with it too. I guess it depends on what you're looking to do with the Latin you learn. I assume you want it for liturgical things, and not academics, no?

 

[plainswolf]

I learned with Wheelock. As I understand it, there's now a workbook to go with it too. I guess it depends on what you're looking to do with the Latin you learn. I assume you want it for liturgical things, and not academics, no?

Both actually..but primarily Liturgical..

 

[Paul S]

Wheelock's good, although it's classical rather than ecclesiastical Latin. The two are pretty similar, although the content obviously varies.

Another good book is Collins' Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin.

There's a Latin e-mail list which has participants studying a variety of Latin texts, including Wheelock and Collins, and each week, everyone sends in their answers for the exercises and you can compare them to see what you got right or wrong. There's a new Collins group starting soon.

http://www.ravendays.org/latin/lists/listindex.html

"Have you ever noticed that, translated word-for-word, Latin sounds an awful lot like the way Yoda talks?"

 

[plainswolf]

Great! Hey thanks everyone! So what are the differences between ecclesial Latin and classical Latin?

J.M.J
plainswolf

 

[D'Ann]

Hi Plainswolf,

If you live by a Best Buy, they may have some CD's that can be helpful. Also, maybe Tan Books? I'm not sure though about Tan Books. Could try Amazon, they seem to have all kinds of stuff. Ebay might have something too. If you live by a Catholic store, perhaps, you can check it out and see if they have some books or tapes or CD's or a combination of them. If they do not, perhaps, they will be able to order some for you from their supplier. I hope this is helpful.

My older daughter wanted to learn Latin as one of her languages, and Best Buy did have some prior to her telling us her desire, but when we had gone to buy them, Best Buy most of sold out what they had. I believe that we did locate some CD's. I'll ask my dh and see where he purchased them.

God's Peace,

D'Ann

 

[Carrye]

Great! Hey thanks everyone! So what are the differences between ecclesial Latin and classical Latin?

Basically, it's pronunciation. Of course, you'll find words in Ecclesiastical Latin that you won't find commonly in Classical Latin.

 

[Paul S]

Great! Hey thanks everyone! So what are the differences between ecclesial Latin and classical Latin?

J.M.J
plainswolf

Pronunciation, for one. Ecclesiastical Latin is pronounced much more like Italian. Another difference is a change in the meaning of some words, especially those dealing with Christian ideas. Also, Ecclesiastical Latin sometimes uses more prepositions, whereas Classical Latin relies more on the case endings. As the language developed over time, the strict grammar rules of Classical Latin were relaxed, so Ecclesiastical Latin can be more flexible with some points of grammar, such as using an infinitive to show purpose. In Classical Latin, it was only ut plus the subjunctive. "He went to the store to buy bread" vs. "He went to the store, that he might buy bread."

Overall, the two are very similar, although it's easier to go from Classical to Ecclesiastical than the other way around.