Reddit reviews Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, Pars I: Familia Romana (Latin Edition)

Some folks can and do teach it as a modern language. (Orberg's Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata is a text that comes to mind) But, as others have stated, the overarching purpose of a classical language is not fluent communication with that language, but rather the ability to enjoy the brilliant literary works that those languages have produced.


Also, think about this: there isn't exactly a ton of modern vocabulary in Latin (think computers and the like), so attempting to teach it as a modern language with an oral aspect is rather difficult, pronunciation disagreements aside. There have been Vatican councils formed to create new Latin words.

But, since the end goal of Latin is translation and enjoyment of ancient texts, then that usually is what you'll see in textbooks.

This self taught path will be a tough one. I ordered Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, Pars I: Familia Romana to help. I appreciate the help, now and in the future.

I'm very interested, but the only thing I know about Latin is that it makes Jingle Bells sound awesome. Is what you're proposing for an utter and complete novice (I have experience in Italian)? Also, is this the book?