New Latin

New Latin

Region	Europe, Americas, and other regions
Language family	Indo-European
This language related article is a stub.

New Latin (also known as Neo-Latin) refers to the form of the Latin language used from the end of the Medieval Latin period in the 16th century to the present. It is primarily used in scientific descriptions and classifications, as well as in the academic and ecclesiastical contexts.

History

New Latin emerged during the Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in the classical languages and texts. Scholars sought to revive the pure form of Latin used by the ancient Romans, leading to the development of New Latin. This form of Latin was used extensively in scholarly works, scientific treatises, and as a lingua franca among educated Europeans.

Renaissance and Humanism

During the Renaissance, humanists such as Erasmus and Petrarch advocated for a return to the classical Latin of Cicero and Virgil. This movement led to the creation of a standardized form of Latin that was used in literature, philosophy, and science.

Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries saw New Latin become the language of science. Notable scientists such as Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei wrote their works in Latin, allowing for widespread dissemination and understanding across Europe.

Characteristics

New Latin retains much of the grammar and vocabulary of Classical Latin but incorporates new words and phrases to accommodate modern concepts and discoveries. It is characterized by:

• Vocabulary Expansion: New Latin includes many neologisms, especially in the fields of science and medicine, to describe new inventions, discoveries, and concepts.
• Standardization: Efforts were made to standardize Latin grammar and usage, making it more uniform than the Latin of the Middle Ages.
• Pronunciation: Pronunciation of New Latin varies by region, often influenced by the native languages of the speakers.

Usage

New Latin is used in various contexts, including:

• Scientific Nomenclature: It is the basis for the binomial nomenclature system used in the biological sciences, as developed by Carl Linnaeus.
• Academic and Legal Texts: Many universities and legal systems use Latin phrases and terminology.
• Ecclesiastical Latin: The Roman Catholic Church continues to use Latin in its liturgy and official documents.

Decline and Legacy

With the rise of national languages and the decline of Latin as a spoken language, the use of New Latin has diminished. However, its legacy persists in scientific terminology, legal language, and the continued use of Latin in the Catholic Church.

Also see

• Classical Latin
• Medieval Latin
• Ecclesiastical Latin
• Latin language
• Renaissance humanism