How to Learn Greek and Latin

For centuries, learning to speak and read the Greek and Latin languages was the benchmark of genteel civility and intellectual scholarship. Mastering Greek and Latin is a challenge, but there are hundreds of similar words and roots common to Greek, Latin and English. The benefit of learning Greek and Latin greatly outweighs the challenge: You'll be able to read such masters as Homer, Plato, Aristotle and Virgil untranslated.

Things You'll Need

  • English-to-Greek and -Latin dictionaries
  • Greek and Latin vocabulary cards
  • Audio CD
  • Computer software course
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Instructions

  1. How to Learn Greek and Latin

    • 1

      Decide how you wish to learn Greek and Latin. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you primarily an auditory learner, or do you respond better to visual cues? Are you disciplined and good at self-study, or do you work better with direction or with others? What is your budget? How much time do you have to devote to language study, and how fluent do you wish to be?

    • 2

      If you decide to complete your language instruction with interactive study, either obtain a tutor (or tutors if you can't find one who speaks both) or enroll in two college courses.

    • 3

      Purchase Greek and Latin dictionaries (the English-to-Greek and English-to-Latin kind).

    • 4

      Purchase SparkNotes SparkCards Greek and Latin vocabulary flash cards. Practice reading these cards whenever you have a spare moment.

    • 5

      Alternatively, purchase audio CD courses if you've decided to do self-instruction. These courses enable you to hear native Greek and Latin speakers so you can learn pronunciation.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use Internet marketplace ads to locate language tutors, or call the classical studies and language departments of your local college or university. For self-instruction, consider your needs and budget. More expensive options are Pimsleur, an all-audio program that requires no reading or writing; and Rosetta Stone, a computer software program that teaches reading, writing and speaking. More basic (and cheaper) course offerings include Living Language, Berlitz and Barrons. Practice, practice, practice. It is better to spend just 15 minutes per day on review and repetition than to spend two hours once per week.

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