Название: Latin For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Автор: Clifford A. Hull, Steven R. Perkins
Издательство: For Dummies
Год: 2022
Страниц: 435
Язык: английский
Формат: pdf (true), epub
Размер: 11.4 MB

Master the basics of a lyrical and useful language.

Even though most people don’t use Latin anymore, it used to be spoken by millions of people from across the ancient world. It later morphed into new languages we still use today!

In Latin For Dummies, you’ll take a tour through the language of ancient Rome. Beginning with Latin you may already know, like “carpe diem” and “quid pro quo,” the book walks you through essential Latin grammar and everyday Latin phrases. It also explores how Latin shaped and molded modern languages, including English.

Julius Caesar once wrote that all of Gaul was divided into three parts, but when it comes to Latin, you can really find only two groups: those who have some knowledge of the language and those who don’t. Whichever group you fall into, this is the book for you. You might want to get a better handle on this language for so many reasons. Perhaps you remember a few Latin words from when you were in school and want to dust off the cobwebs and refresh the knowledge you once had. Then again, you may just want to find out what all the fuss is about and discover for yourself why so many people still read, write, and even speak a language that has been popular for more than 2,000 years.

Sure, you have to know a few rules and master a few tricks, but after you do, Latin is actually pretty easy to figure out, and you’re going to have fun doing it! Latin was the language of the Romans, the movers and shakers of the ancient world. These are the folks who built a republic and then an empire that stood for hundreds of years, created (and destroyed) Caesars, and produced the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Hadrian’s Wall. They can also take credit for one of the most lasting man-made concoctions of all time: concrete.

As if that wasn’t enough, Latin continues to influence the world through the many languages, such as French, Italian, and Spanish, that come from it. And Latin has had much influence on English, too, given that more than half of all English words are derived from Latin words. (In fact, you use Latin words without even knowing it.) One of the best-kept secrets about Latin is that not only does figuring out Latin help you understand Latin, but it also helps you understand English, too.

In this book, you’ll find:

Lessons to learn Latin grammar and vocabulary
Practices for reading, translating, and composing Latin
Tips to recognize commonly confused Latin words

Latin For Dummies proves that learning Latin, while challenging, can be fun and exciting too! It’s perfect for first timers interested in the ancient language and anyone who wants to learn more about ancient Roman history and culture.