[face=Verdana][/face] Hello all. My name is Randal and I’ve wanted to learn Latin since high school, which was so long ago it was probably required, but that’s another topic. I do speak a little Spanish and just a smattering of German (Like that’ll help!) so I’m not a complete novice to learning languages, but this will be the first time I’ve learned one on my own.
So.
How do I start?
Randal
Welcome Randal!
I’ll give you a link to learning Latin from this very site; it’s all you need (but don’t tell Mrs. Finster!) http://www.textkit.com/learn/ID/108/author_id/13/ It’s the best Latin textbook ever made.
Ave Randal (Hello, hail)
I find that German can be a surprising help in the two grammar systems. You will hopefully be acquainted with cases, which have long disappeared from the Romance languages. And it might help in pronunciation of Classical Latin: all those hard c’s and g’s.
Learn the functions of cases: muy importante, to begin with, and learn about 3 or 4 words at the start.
I wish you well for your studies, and hope my suggestions can help.
Hi Randal!
Welcome to Textkit!
Episcopus pointed out a great book to start with, but don’t forget to check out all the other books that are available on this site. Click on the “Learn Latin” link above.
Good luck!
Salve Randall! I agree with Episcopus, D’Ooge is the man. I use Collar & Daniell’s book as well for the number of excerises. Welcome to Textkit.
Salve Randal!
I think with the bit of Spanish & German that you know, it will certainly help you in Latin, in particular, understanding the cases and endings.
Regardless of which book you decide to use in your studies, I think one of the most important rules is to study a little bit each day instead of hours once a week. If you can carry your book or just a couple of pages of lessons with you, then you may find some time in the day to study Latin when you least expect it.
Good luck in your studies! 