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How to Read Latin Prose Effectively

This document provides 10 rules for effectively reading Latin prose. The rules instruct the reader to fully understand each sentence by reading it multiple times, recognizing endings, structure, and unfamiliar words before translating. Translating should only be done after fully comprehending the meaning and structure of the sentence. Subordinate and embedded clauses must be completed before continuing. Emphasis is placed on word order and logical sequencing of actions and thoughts.

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Sandra Ramos
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588 views1 page

How to Read Latin Prose Effectively

This document provides 10 rules for effectively reading Latin prose. The rules instruct the reader to fully understand each sentence by reading it multiple times, recognizing endings, structure, and unfamiliar words before translating. Translating should only be done after fully comprehending the meaning and structure of the sentence. Subordinate and embedded clauses must be completed before continuing. Emphasis is placed on word order and logical sequencing of actions and thoughts.

Uploaded by

Sandra Ramos
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTRODUCTION TO LATIN LITERATURE

How to Read Latin Prose effectively


from Latin: How to Read it Fluently by B. Dexter Hoyos

Regula I A new sentence or passage should be read through completely, several times if
necessary, so as to see all its words in context.

Regula II As you read, register mentally the ending of every word so as to recognize
how the words in the sentence relate to one another.

Regula III Recognize the way in which the sentence is structured—its Main Clause(s),
subordinate clauses and phrases. Read them in sequence to achieve this
recognition and reread the sentence as often as necessary, without translating it.

Regula IV Now look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary; and once you know what all
the words can mean, reread the Latin to improve your grasp of the context and
so clarify what the words in this sentence do mean.

Regula V If translating, translate only when you have seen exactly how the sentence
works and what it means.

Do not translate in order to find out what the sentence means.


Understand first, then translate.

Regula VI A — Once a subordinate clause or phrase is begun, it must be completed


syntactically before the rest of the sentence can proceed.

B — When one subordinate construction embraces another, the embraced one


must be completed before the embracing one can proceed.

C — A Main Clause must be completed before another Main Clause can start.

Regula VII Normally the words most emphasized by the author are placed at the
beginning and end, and all the words in between contribute to the over-all
sense, including those forming an embraced or dependent word-group.

Regula VIII The words within two or more word-groups are never mixed up together.

Regula IX Actions in a sentence are usually narrated in the order in which they occurred.

Regula X Analytical sentences are written with phrases and clauses in the order that is
most logical to the author. The sequence of thought is signaled by the
placement of word-groups and key words.

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