Prima Latina pronunication type? & Where does adult start?

[Fr. Joseph Bittle]

I am an Eastern Orthodox priest interested in learning Latin for (essentially) the first time. I would like to use materials for my own learning that can be reused by my children in a few years when they are ready. I have two questions:

First, as an adult, I have no problem starting with the earliest Prima Latina if that is the best starting point. Humility is good, and my tight schedule might do better with smaller bites than the normal adult textbook would offer. Are there recommendations about what grade level I should start at? Can I start at a later grade and not miss any foundational material?

Secondly, it is important to me to learn ecclesiastical pronunciation. What is being taught in the books/dvds/cds?

Thanks.

[barbara914]

Hi Father,

I'm 61, and I started with Latina Christiana I. I didn't think this was too advanced for a new learner, which I was. There are 25 lessons plus five review lessons. There is a test after every five lessons. Basically, each lesson has 10 vocabulary words, a Latin saying (such as "Ora et labora"--Pray and work), and a brief grammar lesson. I completed Latina Christiana I in three months. You'll want to get the package--the student book, the teacher's manual, and the CD. I made my own flash cards on 3 X 5 index cards.

Good luck--it's fun!
Barbara

[barbara914]

Father, I forgot to mention in my last post--yes, the pronunciation is ecclesiastical Latin. The CD is good because you follow it lesson by lesson--I just downloaded the entire CD and picked out the current lesson. There are also two prayers--the Pater Noster and a table blessing--three songs, and some conversational Latin to learn. These are on the CD as well.

Also on the CD, one hears a group of children saying the vocabulary and chanting the grammar forms. I thought, "Heck, if these little kids can do it, so can I." And I can, and so can you!

Barbara

[Maria]

Fr. Joseph Bittle,

First, as an adult, I have no problem starting with the earliest Prima Latina if that is the best starting point. Humility is good, and my tight schedule might do better with smaller bites than the normal adult textbook would offer. Are there recommendations about what grade level I should start at? Can I start at a later grade and not miss any foundational material?
I think it would be best to start with Latina Christiana I and II. Prima Latina is really only meant for very young children, and the same Latin grammar and vocabulary is covered all over again in Latina Christiana. Besides, you can start Latina Christiana as early as 3rd or 4th grade.

Secondly, it is important to me to learn ecclesiastical pronunciation. What is being taught in the books/dvds/cds?
The pronunciation used with Prima Latina and Latina Christiana is ecclesiastical. However, it's a little faulty, and so if you're serious about correct ecclesiastical pronunciation, I highly recommend getting the Pronunciatus Latinus booklet and CD available here (http://www.emmanuelbooks.com/product_detail.cfm?ID=1576&user=255257277).

Hope this helps,
Maria