Latin and why learn it ?
Latin is traditionally described as a dead language, although a quick trawl through the internet will show that it is still alive and kicking. You can listen to the news in Latin, there are active e-mail lists written solely in Latin etc.
So why do so many people still learn Latin - and why so much about it on this site ...... ?
Because :-
Learning a dead language forces you to learn and understand the grammar of the language which in turn forces you to learn grammatical terms. This is in contrast to spoken language, which you can learn without any knowledge of grammar or syntax. Learning grammatical terms helps learn other languages, gain a greater appreciation of your own and enables you to analyse language.
Latin quotations and expressions in English are still used with surprising frequency and it is interesting to know about their origin and understand their structure. Also good for one-upmanship if you are so inclined.
e.g per annum, in fragrante delicto and so on ad nauseam.
Latin literature. Bring it on! There is loads of Latin literature and literature written in Latin. Winnie ille Pu (Winnie the Poo), Quomodo Invidiosulus nomine Grinchus Christi natalem abtogaverit (The Grinch who stole Christmas) to name but a few of the classics. (And er Virgil, Ovid ........ and the rest).
Latin language. There is a definite satisfaction (for some of us) in parsing and understanding Latin sentences. Not everyone enjoys this. I do. But then I enjoy programming as well ......
You can read sites such as ephemeris.
Romance languages. The romance languages: French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Catalan originated from Latin. A knowledge of Latin helps with the grammar and vocabulary of these languages - although maybe not as much as is sometimes suggested.
And see About
Latin Links
Latinatis Foundation Promotion of the Latin language by the Vatican.
Nuntii Latini Weekly review of world news in Classical Latin.
Learn Latin words and phrases fast with Linguata Latin language software.
www.linguata.com