Reading classical or ancient Latin can be fun and easier than you think, especially if you speak English, Italian, and/or Spanish. French also helps with the vocabulary.
Open University Introduction – https://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/getting-started-on-classical-latin/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab
Introduction to Classical Latin Alphabet and Pronunciation – https://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/introducing-classical-latin/
Special Pronunciation Note Reminders:
“c” is a hard, like “candy” or “pico”
“ph” can be an f sound or a “p” sound
“th” can be a t sound or a “t” then a “h” sound
“v” is pronounced as a “w” sound
“g” is pronounced as a hard “g”, like “girl”
“r” is a rolled “r” sound, like “rrrr”
Gender Notes:
male – “us” on end, plural “i” on end
female – “a” on end, plural “ae” on end
Person Endings of Latin Verbs (present tense)
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | o (= I) | mus (= we) |
| 2nd | s (= you) | tis (= you) |
| 3rd | t (= he/she/it) | nt (= they) |
| The part of the verb to which the person ending is added is called the stem. Thus, the stem ama plus the person ending – t produces amat, ‘he/she/it loves’. Alternatively, ama plus nt produces amant, meaning ‘they love.’ | ||
Sentence Construction Notes:
Other Resource Links:
Read and Listen to Latin Poetry – Latin Poems Archives – Pantheon Poets | Latin Poetry Recited and Translated
The Legentibus app is fantastic! And includes LLPSI:
https://latinitium.com/legentibus
Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata; note the online version:
https://www.hackettpublishing.com/lingua-latina-per-se-illustrata-series
Here are Luke Ranieri’s very helpful videos for the series:
Textkit Greek and Latin Forums – Index page
Satura Lanx; her series on the history of Latin literature is especially great, as well as her class for beginners: