What: This group is not suitable for complete beginners, but rather those who have done some Latin in the past and want to rekindle their interest in the language. In each session, we work from an elementary course book, ‘Latin to GCSE’. This helps us to build vocabulary and learn or revise some elementary grammar. For the rest of the time, we look at Latin words and phrases still used in English and perhaps short texts, all accessible with the help of a dictionary. We also use translation software and even AI! You can sometimes work out the meaning by looking for links to English or other languages that we know a little about. 

To date we’ve looked at common phrases and abbreviations, Latin phrases in medicine, the law, mottoes of military regiments and City of London Livery Companies. We have also looked at songs such as Ave Maria and Pei Jesu, medieval drinking songs and the carol ‘Adeste Fideles’. We also enjoyed deciphering the text of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is in medieval Latin. Just to cheer ourselves up, we looked at memorials in Latin from cathedrals and churches. Latin has had a clear and interesting influence on our language.

New members made very welcome

How to Join: Contact the Interest Groups Coordinator

Latin - Mike