Award-Winning Latin Lessons in Minneapolis, MN

If you are looking to enroll in Minneapolis Latin lessons or classes, Varsity Tutors can help you connect with a knowledgeable Latin instructor. Students of all levels are welcome to seek out Minneapolis Latin tutors and group courses. All levels are welcome: high school students at Washburn Senior High School, undergraduates at the University of Minnesota, or other members of the community. Those working in the sciences, medicine, or pursuing studies in law or theology can gain a competitive advantage by understanding Latin. However, since Latin is considered a "dead" language and no longer spoken in regular vernacular, learning it on your own can be challenging.

Even if you are not in the sciences, Latin is a useful language to know. Though Latin is linguistically "dead," it persists as the official language of the Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City. The Latin alphabet also survives today: 23 of the 26 letters of the English alphabet come from Latin. Many common words contain Latin roots. Animal, for example, is derived from the Latin root "anim," meaning "life." Latin is also a precursor to several modern languages: French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, to name a few. An improved understanding of Latin can build a strong foundation for students to learn additional languages with ease.

If you are interested in expanding your language skills to include Latin, Varsity Tutors can connect you with a Minneapolis Latin tutor in as little as 24 hours. Students have two options for pursuing a Minneapolis Latin lesson: private lessons and online courses. Ambitious students can elect to complete both tutoring and courses at the same time. Each option allows you to address areas of concerns more quickly and thoroughly than a traditional classroom setting. Students always learn from enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors. New sections of courses begin monthly, and private sessions offer a more flexible schedule.

What concepts can a Minneapolis Latin lesson cover?

Latin, a language spoken for over 1,000 years, is rich with history and culture. The rise, expansion, and fall of the Roman Empire had an immeasurable impact on European history that is still present today. Two varieties of Latin prevailed during this time: classical and vulgar. Classical Latin was spoken by the ruling class of Rome. As such, it was more formal in nature, containing more Greek rules and influences. Since it was spoken by a smaller population, classical Latin was less popular than vulgar Latin. Vulgar Latin was the tongue of soldiers and colonists: those who traveled by foot across western Europe during the empire's expansion. Roman development in these areas is the reason many languages - such as Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese - all share common linguistic roots.

Latin is notoriously concise, and this characteristic is due to its inflections. Inflections make up the ends of words in Latin, and a word's inflection is crucial to its definition and relation to other words in a sentence. Latin varies greatly from English in this way. While English uses the order of words to determine meaning in a sentence, Latin uses inflection. For example, the sentences, "That man is looking at the water" and "The water is looking at that man" have very different meanings due to changes in word order. In Latin, the order of words is much less important; instead, inflections clarify relationships between items. When translating Latin, often, one Latin word will become multiple English words. For example, the Latin "amabunt" translates to "they will love," and the passive form "amabuntur" translates to "they will be loved." Note how changing the ending of a word (the inflection) alters its definition.

Aside from inflections, Minneapolis Latin tutors can cover additional grammar topics, vocabulary, sentence structure, reading, and pronunciation. Since Latin is no longer a spoken language, students need not worry about perfecting the Latin accent. Learning to speak in a consistent Latin accent is satisfactory; this enables students to read Latin poetry smoothly, appreciating the rhythm and sound that inspired the likes of Shakespeare, Donne, and Chaucer.

How does each Minneapolis Latin lesson work?

Studying an unspoken language such as Latin may seem daunting, especially if you are already juggling other classes, extracurricular activities, or a part-time job. Luckily, Minneapolis Latin lessons are designed to accommodate all schedules and skill levels. High school students, undergraduates, and non-traditional students can all benefit from the personalized approach of Minneapolis Latin tutors. For students who benefit from collaborative work, online courses allow you to gain practice reading and writing Latin with other students while receiving feedback from an experienced instructor. Classes are held at a variety of times, and new classes begin each month.

For students who are interested in a personalized, individual approach, a private instructor may be beneficial. Students who opt for individual sessions have the option to meet with an instructor in-person or online. Online sessions meet through the Live Learning Platform, where students connect with instructors through video chat and a virtual whiteboard. In-person sessions are also flexible with the option to meet at a student's home, in a coffee shop, or on campus. Working with an individual instructor enables students to supplement their classroom learning and advance faster in Latin classes. Individual sessions may also include personalized learning materials based on a student's needs - for example, if a student is more of a visual learner, an instructor may forego discussion and use flashcards instead. Whether you are interested in individual sessions or courses, call Varsity Tutors to connect with a Minneapolis Latin instructor today.

How do I get started with Minneapolis Latin lessons?

While Latin is no longer a spoken language, its relevance survives in other languages and fields. Latin roots are found in the sciences, theology, law, and medicine, not to mention everyday English. Whether you're a junior at South Senior High School or a law student at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, learning Latin can come with a unique set of challenges. Working with a Latin instructor may ease the difficulties of learning Latin and provide students with more detail, attention, and support than traditional classrooms. Contact Varsity Tutors to find a Minneapolis Latin tutor and get started with lessons or courses today. Call now to get started.