Latin language: Difference between revisions
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'''Latin''' is a language which was the dominant medium of communication in [[Europe]] during the ascendancy of the [[Roman Empire]]. Although widespread use of the tongue had declined by the Ninth Century, it remains important in a number of | '''Latin''' is a language which was the dominant medium of communication in [[Europe]] during the ascendancy of the [[Roman Empire]]. Although widespread use of the tongue had declined by the Ninth Century, it remains important in a number of areas. Much vocabulary in [[Romance language]]s such as [[Spanish]], [[French]], [[Italian]], and [[Portuguese]] derives from Latin, and the [[English]] language, having borrowed from these, especially from Norman French and Latin itself, similarly has a highly Latinate vocabulary. Latin is the liturgical language of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], and Latin terminology is still used in the [[science]]s, particularly in [[medicine]], as well as in [[law]]. | ||
Latin is a highly [[synthetic language]], using many [[suffixes]] to indicate concerns such as number, gender, formality, possession, and tense. Verbs are [[conjugated]], nouns and adjectives [[declined]]. | Latin is a highly [[synthetic language]], using many [[suffixes]] to indicate concerns such as number, gender, formality, possession, and tense. Verbs are [[conjugated]], nouns and adjectives [[declined]]. | ||
Revision as of 18:23, 17 October 2007
Latin is a language which was the dominant medium of communication in Europe during the ascendancy of the Roman Empire. Although widespread use of the tongue had declined by the Ninth Century, it remains important in a number of areas. Much vocabulary in Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese derives from Latin, and the English language, having borrowed from these, especially from Norman French and Latin itself, similarly has a highly Latinate vocabulary. Latin is the liturgical language of the Roman Catholic Church, and Latin terminology is still used in the sciences, particularly in medicine, as well as in law.
Latin is a highly synthetic language, using many suffixes to indicate concerns such as number, gender, formality, possession, and tense. Verbs are conjugated, nouns and adjectives declined.