What is the best way to learn Latin?

[Milt]

Just for fun

vatican.va/archive/catechism_lt/index_lt.htm

 

[Langdell]

I bought the Latin Rosetta Stone set when it was on sale, and it’s pretty good. Someone else has already mentioned, however, that Rosetta teaches you Classical and conversational Latin.

I just received a copy of Lingua Latina and I wish I would have tried this book first (before getting Rosetta Stone). It is a great read and I’m having a hard time putting the book down (which is saying a lot, I normally don’t like to read).

I also second the recommendations of A Primer for Ecclesiastical Latin. I love it.

I was fortunate enough to attend a public high school that (in the 1970s) offered Latin. We used Lingua Latina – it’s great.

Someone above mentioned the difference betwen “Latin Latin” and ecclesiastical Latin. The only differences that I’ve been able to detect between the two are the pronunciation and some of the vocabulary. But the grammar and the basic vocabulary are the same.

Bona fortuna!

.

 

[Bluegoat]

Many universities offer Latin. Generally in the classics department. Usually they begin with Classical Latin, but if you can read that you can easily adapt to other types of Latin as well.

But what would work best will depend on your learning style and situation.

The activity that I think is really the best for getting a good grounding is not just translating Latin to English, but translating English to Latin, or composing Latin poetry. The latter usually requires some fairly good skills before you can begin.

 

[angelic06]

Milt,

I was thinking of Rosetta Stone just moments before I saw you quoted in another person’s post.

Never tried it personally for any language.

To the OP: you could also try reading the Code of Canon Law Latin-English Edition (read the ecclesiastical Latin first, then the English second—or vice versa).

Seriously though, are you trying to learn enough to understand a Mass in Latin or do you want to learn it for its own sake or both or what?

If the first, you may request that your church publish the Latin and the English next to it. You might not know the definitions of the individual words, but you will understand generally what is going on. If the second, there are plenty of Latin textbooks out there (I used Wheelock’s in college) available at libraries or you can enroll in a college course.

Many years,

Paul R. Viola

 

[Bebekoualy]

Read the Vulgata! And listen to Gregorian Chant!

 

[Young_Thinker]

Either take formal courses or study by yourself(for the latter, though, a lot of discipline is needed).

 

[cctabb]

If you have children the easiest way for you and your kids to learn Latin is something like Latina Christina.

 

[booksandmusic]

latin is still being taught at some private schools at the junior high and high school level. I haven’t seen it in a public school in 20 years.

The public high schools in my county are currently teaching Latin.

 

[Sara_Balzano]

I managed to learn Latin through memorisation, attending Tridentine masses, and reading the Nova Vulgate. I wrote down many hymns, prayers, and even grace in Latin with a Maltese translation at the bottom. When I read the Vulgate, I brought up an online translator and translated words I did not know. It may tedious, but it works well!