Ancient Rome has left a lasting impression on the world, primarily because it established laws that stand to this very day. Rome was the cradle of both western civilization and its justice system, which is why the study of its language is so incredibly fascinating. In this article, we’ll reflect on the spoken language of Rome and its evolution into contemporary Italian.
Although claims that Rome’s ancient language was Latin, the language of the ancestors was an Italic dialect similar to Oscan and Umbrian. These languages have since been lost to time, but it is believed that if any remnant of them remains, it would be within the flourishing Romance language, Italian.
The first record of Latin appears circa 7th century BC in the Latin alphabet, which was derived from the Etruscan alphabet. This is the earliest form of Latin, known as Old Latin or Archaic Latin (Latino Arcaico). This language is believed to hold the largest amount of Italic dialects, although many of them are now lost. This language slowly transformed into Classical Latin, the language of the writings of Cicero and Virgil. Julius Caesar spoke Classical Latin fluently and this became the official language of Rome.
In the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of the Roman Church and scholars. Eventually, this transitioned into a language called ‘Vulgar Latin,’ which can be seen as the ‘crossover’ point between the Latin Empire and the language of the common people. This Latin dialect adapted to local customs and cultures, slowly solidifying itself into what we recognize today as modern Romance languages. Through its growth, Latin also morphed into distinct and recognizable dialects, resulting in multiple versions and versions of the language.
The erudite and educated people of Rome typically spoke in Classical Latin while the common people conversed in a “Vulgar” Latin. Vulgar Latin was eventually adopted in all parts of the Latin Empire and the Romance languages were born. Italian is one of these Romance languages and is divided into two families: north and south. The language utilized in Rome is thus classified as Northeastern Romance.
Modern Italian would be easily understood by a Roman of the era and all Italian dialects are mutually intelligible. Italian is, in turn, understood by most Romance language speakers from France to Spain and even Corsica and Sardinia. The Roman Empire’s branch of the Latin language can thus be said to be the “kiss of life” for the modern Romance languages we have today.
Change in the Latin
Classical Latin altered greatly over the centuries and its current form is called Medieval Latin. This language is less articulate and more flawed than Classical Latin. Simple conjugations, sing-song rhythms, and vulgarisms polluted its presence. Consequently, Medieval Latin was replaced by Neo-Latin—a language closer to Classical Latin. Ironically, the new form was not enough to overcome the continuous alterations and Vulgar Latin, becoming more and more uniform, gradually replaced Neo-Latin.
The most crucial change that affected the Latin language was its birth in the Romance countries. Latin in Rome and in Europe were two distinct languages by the 10th century ad: Italian in Italy, Provençal in France, Castilian in Spain, and so on.
The 13th century brought the Renaissance, which reawakened the interest in Roman culture. Many literary works were written in Neo-Latin and contemporary Renaissance Latin (for instance the works of Petrarca and Boccaccio) and vernacular Italian was seen as unsuitable for writing. It was only from the end of 18th century that Italian was truly established as the primary language of literature.
Italian Influence
Italian language has been a huge influence on other languages, especially English. Many English words were inherited directly from Latin as a result of its association with Italy, including ‘biscuit’, ‘media’, and ‘villa’. Other words were likely derived from Italy through other European languages, such as the French ‘divine’ and the Spanish ‘haggard’.
Its impact of Italian is not limited to language. How Italy and the Roman Empire influenced other cultures is simply remarkable. Their art, architecture, music, fashion, and all other aspects of culture, from the Renaissance to the present day have altered the way we look at the world and has left us all in admiration of Italy and its ancient language, Latin.
Latin Language Evolution
Latin went through a series of developments, resulting in modern Italian, which we hear today. This process began in the 4th century BC, when Latin texts were inscribed in stone. Gradually, Roman culture and religious ceremonies helped it expand further, creating a common language that most of Rome spoke by the 3rd century. By the 1st century BC, Rome had conquered a large area of the Mediterranean and Latin was becoming the language of the Empire.
In Late Latin, the Latin language changed dramatically. Vulgar Latin, being prevalent amongst the commoners, was never recorded and can only be speculated through what remains in the Romance languages. Further, the Roman Empire was divided in 395 and Germanic invasions followed, which further contributed to the fracturing of the Latin language.
Latin went on to become the primary language of the Roman Empire and gradually replaced all other dialects in their colonies. By the 2nd century BC, Latin was being taught in school by the sons of wealthy Roman families, and eventually became the language of politics, government, and law. Ultimately, spoken Latin was used by the educated classes and written Latin was reserved for documented texts, rites and ceremonies.
Italian Language Diversity
Although Italian is used as the main language in Italy, there are many regional dialects present throughout the different regions. In the south of Italy, most dialects are direct descendants of the Latin-based language used by the Roman Empire. In the north, the mixture between Romance and Germanic influences is more evident.
It is geographically impossible for a single language to span the length and width of Italy, so it ended up fragmenting into 14 distinct linguistic regions. Amongst these are Sardinian, Sicilian, Calabrian, Abruzzese, Tuscan, Emilian, and Venetian. Each of these dialects has its own unique features and was formed as a result of centuries of change.
The differences between dialects are quite evident, but Italians can converse with each other without much difficulty. Italians, through the whole process of language development, have maintained the Italianate syntax and medieval Latin phonology.
Italian in the Contemporary World
Modern Italian retains aspects of ancient Latin, but has developed its own branches, idioms, and vocabulary. It is spoken as a primary language by over 55 million people, and millions more as a second language. The language is used in over 20 countries, mostly in Europe, but also has growing presences on other continents, in places like Australia, the USA and Canada.
It is the official language of all of Italy, San Marino and parts of Switzerland. Additionally, it is the language of Vatican City and Slovenia, as well as one of the official languages of the European Union. Curiously, Italian is the third most studied language in the world, behind English and French, and it is still the language of literature, opera, and many world-famous films.
Rome Today
Although Rome might not utilize Latin as its primary language anymore, the city is still integral in the maintenance and preservation of data, heritage, and culture in the Italian republic. From the Olympics to its prominence in the EU, it is still a hub of power and vibrancy.
It isn’t difficult to discern the city’s Latin and Italian influences, visible in rich monuments, spectacular churches, and vibrant open markets. This concept of bringing together and unifying Italy is seen in the city itself, where commuters and visitors alike convene to get pleasure from art, culture, and history.
The modern Florentine language, which is spoken by not just Florentines but all native Italian speakers, can be traced to its Latin roots and the history of Rome. Latin may not have the same leading role it had in antiquity, but its traditions are still imprinted on Italy’s culture.
The Eternal City
Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is known around the world for its contributions to art, cuisine, and culture. Its influence and echoes of Latin language can still be heard, seen, and tasted all through the city.
Ancient Rome is often referred to as the ‘Eternal City,’ and there’s a good reason behind it. In a place where tourists flock to, there is no denying the impact of the Roman Empire – and the Latin language it left behind.
Latin Language Today
Today, Latin lives on through modern Italian and the other Romance languages. In Italy, Latin is still found on tombstones, Renaissance buildings, and documents in the Roman Catholic Church, though most modern Romans cannot read or understand it. Latin study is still popular in many western countries, particularly in the United States and Canada.
Despite its disappearance from popular circulation, Latin continues to have an effect on the world’s culture. Modern Italian is still almost identical to the Latin of imperial Rome, which is evident in its syntax and syntax structures. Other Romance languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and French, are also spoken around the world, as well as numerous creole tongues.
Latin remains a valuable language to learn. It is also integral to the study of literature, linguistics, history, and law, and its influence is still very much felt in art, science, and philosophy. Even today, it is regarded as a canonical language in many countries, and it continues to shape the world in its own unique way.
