In many countries, Latin is given as a compulsory learning subject in secondary school, which is a dead language, but it has been the basis of all the languages we currently speak together with Greek and it is visualized as difficult and complicated, although it is not since learning latin is very easy.
Latin has declensions when it comes to speaking and writing and it is a language that was used in masses centuries ago, more than anything then it was the priests who handled it because all the ritual was done in that language, so in the priesthood yes it is mandatory to learn it.
However, it is important to recognize that Latin is very beautiful, since its very sound leads us to express some interest, from the moment we hear it, therefore it is very essential to know how it is written and at the same time the sound it has at the same time. read it or speak it.
It is very easy to learn, as long as you carry out a series of steps with which you can obtain a base to understand it and then you will see if you like it to continue and be able to speak it, also you must really like the languages or the different languages and dialects that exist.
What do you need to learn Latin?
- I like the language.
- Different languages.
- Talent.
- Perseverance.
- Motivation to achieve.
- Understand the language.
- A dictionary.
- Training.
- Questions and answer.
Instructions for learning Latin
If you like languages, learning Latin on your own is going to be child’s play, therefore it is important that you take the advice that we give you below, since with perseverance and interest many new learnings can be achieved from any nature.
Latin is easier than English, despite its declinations and if you really like it, you will be able to learn it in a short time, you will also have the possibility of learning other languages that come from this language, such as German, which has similarities.
The first thing is to focus on the study and the necessary tools to take advantage of every second without turning back, remember that you will do the study by yourself and from now on you will only look for guides, books and brochures where you can visualize the language.
How to learn Latin step by step?
- The first thing is to look for a Latin book to make it easier for you to start and see the vocabulary in the different ways, how the words are read or how they are organized in a sentence that has been very different from other languages.
- In the texts there are exercises to do with the possible answers that you must get right, it is essential that you read each section or chapter from the beginning and stay in the parts that you do not understand, longer so you will be more assertive.
- You can opt for one of the two ways that Latin is given, the first focused on vocabulary and grammar, and the second according to reading directly, therefore it is important that you look for a book that is special for any of them.
- The first way focuses more than anything on memorization, which is not usually very advisable, since it is obvious that at some point you could forget something since memory is usually very selective and only remembers what is easier for it. to remember.
- If it becomes more manageable for you, you can choose from the wide variety of books that are illustrated and that have different ways to help you learn the Latin language, which you will see little by little, that it is worth the effort.
- You must stop at each lesson so that you can obtain the learning according to the 1st declination, which is the easiest until the last form or 5th, according to the rules that each one of them must have.
- In Latin you find seven cases or forms to better understand what we are talking about and they are: the nominative, vocative, accusative, genitive, dative and ablative and a last one that is usually unusual or almost lost, so focus on the previous six.
- On the other hand, the five declensions that we are talking about, which are divided into singular or plural in addition to word formation in a, or, consonant, uye, so with this you can search the books and begin to guide yourself.
- Try to expand your vocabulary with the help of the dictionary and the book while repeating out loud also writing what you get to have a base to work with, this will give you more confidence.
- Prepare a glossary of terms and so when you forget a letter or word, you have a way to search more quickly, also the exercises can give you greater fluency and understanding, so you have no excuse.
- Latin is made up of declensions, conjugations as well as vocabulary, being the same way you have to learn other languages, but that should not stop you, the main thing is to like it as well as to really want to learn it.
- Do not go from one lesson to another if you have not achieved the learning objective, as this is not the most viable solution. When there are errors in a basic and easy lesson, the most advanced and complex ones have a high degree of difficulty.
- It may be that you handle one declension better than another or one case seems more viable to learn than another, the important thing is the comfort and resolution you have to learn the language, you already have that, the next thing is to obtain the vocabulary.
- Try to go fast or at your own pace, depending on the other activities you have, but you should dedicate at least a few hours a day to it, the best thing would be one or two hours and not so much at night so that you don’t get tired or lazy.
- In Latin, a word can have many meanings, so it is important that you learn the words and their meaning together, so you will be able to understand the language and be sure to get what you are looking for quickly.
- Always carry a dictionary with you, in many places you can get it at a low cost, and with this you get a viable tool to look up the meaning of any word at the moment you need it.
- Likewise, many times you will find words or phrases that have an incoherent meaning and where you are the one who turns it around in such a way that you can adapt it to your comprehension needs, since that will give you the opportunity to learn it faster.
- Phrases can also have their own meaning, therefore it is essential that you have the possibility of giving a meaning according to what you are reading, take this into account when seeking to understand what you are reading.
Tips for learning Latin
- Learn the different meanings of each word.
- Look for the different phrases that mean only one thing despite being written with many words.
- Give meaning to what you are reading, but without changing the meaning through declensions.
- Do not always take for granted what you are reading, this will give you the possibility to understand more quickly.