Speaking Latin

Think Latin is spoken only in classrooms? Think again. In cities like New York, London, or Berlin, passionate groups regularly meet to practice spoken Latin. This is part of the rapidly growing “living Latin” movement. If you’re in Berlin, don’t miss our own Circulus Latinus Berolinensis—where Latin comes alive in conversation. Join our meetups and experience the thrill of speaking Latin in a modern context. Check out our upcoming events

Want to accelerate your progress? Our online courses are designed to help you confidently join these groups, providing you with the skills and knowledge to engage in Latin conversation from day one. Join us, and soon you’ll be speaking Latin fluently with fellow enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a school-taught Latinist or an absolute beginner, you need to get back to basics. Start by building a strong foundation in Latin grammar and vocabulary. We highly recommend Lingua Latina per se illustrata - Familia Romana.

What sets Familia Romana apart? It’s not your typical textbook—it’s a fully immersive experience. Written entirely in Latin, it teaches you to think in the language, with texts and dialogues that guide you naturally from understanding to fluency. It’s the closest you’ll get to learning Latin as if it were your native tongue.

This is the book we use in our courses because of its unmatched ability to help you internalize the language.

How do you say, “Let’s grab a coffee” in Latin? (Vin’ coffeam bibamus?) To truly speak Latin, you need to learn the phrases and vocabulary for everyday life. Here are some indispensable resources:

• Conversational Latin for Oral Proficiency: Offers everyday dialogues in Latin with English translations. Be cautious, though—some phrases aren’t perfectly idiomatic.
• Corderius: Colloquia Scholastica: Short, practical dialogues about school and learning, as relevant today as when they were written in the 16th century. 
• Comenius: Orbis Sensualium Pictus: timeless visual dictionary, this 17th-century classic teaches Latin nouns and verbs in context. It’s a must-have for building a rich Latin vocabulary. 

Curious about learning Latin through podcasts, videos, or apps? Or even from shows like Barbarians? Beware: many online resources are riddled with errors. To avoid confusion, stick to trusted sources like Corderius and Comenius, where the Latin is flawless.

While everyday expressions aren’t the primary focus of my courses, as one of the most experienced Latin speakers worldwide, I regularly incorporate them into our sessions. By participating, you’ll naturally pick up these phrases and gain the confidence to use Latin in a variety of real-life situations. 

So, you’ve got the basics down and can hold a conversation in Latin. But why stop there? Now it’s time to refine your style and expand your vocabulary, mastering the nuances that distinguish a mere speaker from a true connoisseur of Latin. The key? Delve into the works of classical authors like Catullus, Plautus, and Cicero—giants whose words shaped the Roman Empire and continue to influence modern languages.

Here’s what we recommend to take your Latin to the next level: 

• Plautus’ Comedies: Dive into the lively world of Plautus, where Latin slang and everyday expressions come alive in humorous dialogues. Amphitryo is a great place to start—it’s rich in colloquial language that will add color and authenticity to your Latin. 

 • Cicero’s Speeches: Cicero’s prose isn’t just Latin—it’s the gold standard of eloquence. His speeches, often addressed directly to the audience, are peppered with colloquial expressions that make them more than just formal rhetoric. They’re essential for anyone serious about mastering the art of Latin style. 

 • Erasmus’ Colloquia Familiaria: Written by Erasmus of Rotterdam, these witty and insightful dialogues were crafted in beautiful classical Latin. Beyond their linguistic value, they offer a window into Humanist thought, blending humor with profound ideas. If you want to think and speak like a true Renaissance scholar, these dialogues are indispensable. 

For those ready to dive deeper, my literature classes for advanced learners are the perfect opportunity to explore these texts in greater depth. We analyze and discuss the works of classical authors, helping you refine your style and fully immerse yourself in the richness of Latin literature.

Congratulations, you’ve made it. As you begin to speak Latin fluently, you’ll discover something remarkable: ancient texts will open up to you in ways you never imagined. No longer will you be chained to tedious grammar analysis or constant dictionary checks. Instead, you’ll find yourself reading Latin as naturally as your native language—understanding the essence of classical works at a glance.

By speaking Latin, you’re not just learning a language; you’re stepping into the shoes of the ancients, experiencing their thoughts, emotions, and ideas as they intended. You’ll live and breathe Latin, engaging with the literature on a deeper, more intuitive level. The words of Cicero, Plautus, and Catullus will come alive, not as distant relics of a bygone era, but as vibrant conversations that resonate across the centuries.

Enjoy the profound connection you now share with the past. You’re not just translating Latin—you’re living it.