Learn an Ancient Language in the Park this summer

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Following the success of last summer’s Latin in the Park project, some of the most talented students from Swansea University’s Department of History and Classics will teach courses in Latin, ancient Greek and Hieroglyphs in Singleton Park every Saturday afternoon this June and July.

The courses, which cater for absolute beginners as well as Latin intermediate and advanced level, start on Saturday, June 8 and end on Saturday, August 3.

Beginners and Advanced Latin, as well as Beginners Greek classes will take place from 2pm – 3pm, with Intermediate Latin and Beginners Hieroglyphs classes from 3.30pm – 4.30pm, and all class materials are provided.

In between the classes, there will also be a free weekly workshop on a fun and interesting topic connected with antiquity.  And on the final Saturday of the course, there will be a Roman BBQ, which includes a Roman cooking demonstration, for the courses’ participants and their families.

The project’s coordinator, Dr Evelien Bracke, of Swansea University’s Department of History and Classics, said: “The Latin language lies at the basis of most Western European languages, and a grasp of Latin makes it easier to learn languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian. English too has a lot in common with Latin, with over 60% of English words derived from Latin.

“Latin was the language of ancient Rome, the common language of Europe ever since, and has in fact shaped much of European history up to the present day. Knowing Latin unlocks access to a wide variety of beautiful and timeless texts and stories; it is a skill which provides pleasure and understanding for a lifetime.

“Ancient Greek is at the foundation of much of English scientific language, and the new script offers wonderful challenges and insight in an older society.

“And an introduction to Hieroglyphs will allow you to understand some ancient Egyptian inscriptions, and provide an engaging way to contact a world long gone.”

The fee for the courses is either £3 per class – just turn up on the day and pay – or you can pay in advance, with a fee of £22 for nine classes. Under-16s are welcome when accompanied by an adult; children under the age of 12 can come along for free.

All monies raised will be used to help fund the Department’s Literacy through Latin project, through which the Department teaches Latin to primary school children in the local area. 

For further information email the project coordinator, Dr Evelien Bracke, at e.bracke@swansea.ac.uk, or visit http://www.southwestwalesclassicalassociation.co.uk/resources/Ancient%20Languages%20in%20the%20Park%20flyer.pdf.