Expertlatin
- How do we know what ancient Latin sounded like?
- Does anyone know what Latin sounds like?
- When did Latin pronunciation change?
- Does the V sound exist in Latin?
How do we know what ancient Latin sounded like?
Although we can never be completely sure of exactly how the Romans pronounced their language, there are a number of sources of evidence: The ancient grammarians who wrote descriptions of the language. Inscriptions giving alternative spellings of words. The way other languages write words of Latin origin.
Does anyone know what Latin sounds like?
As a general guide, Latin would have sounded more like modern Spanish or Italian than English. Latin is however spoken with two rather different systems, widely called "Classical" and "Ecclesiastical". You should choose according to your needs and preferences.
When did Latin pronunciation change?
The pronunciation of the ancient Romans, called the classical pronunciation, was modified by Christians in the Middle Ages, when Latin became the language of the church and of the educated class. You may see this pronunciation referred to by a number of names: ecclesiastical, medieval, Church, Christian, or Italian.
Does the V sound exist in Latin?
The Alphabet: The Latin alphabet has only 23 letters, as opposed to the English alphabet which has 26. The letters “missing” in the Latin alphabet are j, w, and capital U/small v (see below, under Sounds of Semivowels). In your textbook, however, you will find both v and u, and U.
