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The oldest historical
evidence of Latin being in use dates to the third century BC, in the
form of texts in Roman Latin. A seventh century BC evidence is a
four-word inscription in Greek letters on a cloak pin. With the
influence of Greek language and literature, Latin developed into a
language used by literary greats. The use of Latin in literature
may, in fact, be used as a yardstick to trace its development
through the ages.
Latin through the
ages
The period 240-70 BC saw the writings of Ennius, Plautus and
Terence. The period dating from 70 BC to 14 AD saw Latin evolve into
a medium used effectively for the outpouring of rich literature.
Evidence of the artistic literature of this period is found in the
form of both prose and poetry. Among the prose works, those of
Cicero, Livy and Julius Caesar are noteworthy. And poetic excellence
may be witnessed in the works of Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. After 14
AD to about 130 AD, Latin was honed and sculpted into a finesse by
those who used it. Evidence has been left in the form of many
historical and philosophical writings.
The birth of Lingua Latina
and Lingua Romana
Invaders later invaded not only territories but also the Latin
language, bringing in terms and phrases from other languages and
‘corrupting’ it. Then it was found necessary to distinguish the
corrupted Latin from the original Latin. This led to the creation of
Lingua Latina – classical Latin used by the learned and
Lingua Romana – Latin that took into its fold words from other
languages.
The colloquial language
used by cultured Romans also found expression in many literary
works. The main distinguishing feature between classical Latin and
colloquial Latin, besides the use of foreign words, was a break away
from the use of syntax. Colloquial Latin reveled in simplicity. In
fact the spoken form of non-classical Latin is also referred to as
Vulgar Latin, which was spoken mainly by the middle classes in Rome
and Roman provinces. It varied from region to region, with the
influence of the regional dialect being gathered from time to time.
Studies have revealed
that 600 different forms of Vulgar Latin existed in those times.
There has been no written documentation of Vulgar Latin. Inferences
have been based on the references made to incorrect grammar usage
made by Roman grammarians. Occasional writings by persons of
inadequate education also stand testimony to the usage of Vulgar
Latin. Vulgar Latin is considered to be the ancestor of Romance
languages. |
