Grammar or reading: Which type of Latin/Greek textbook is better?

In this video, I discuss the relative merits of grammar-intense and reading-based Latin and Ancient Greek textbooks. I have used and have benefited from both, but don't let me have the last word on the issue. What kind of textbooks have you used? Which of these did you prefer, and why?

[UserOfTheZune]

For self learning, specifically Latin, I found that Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata is a wonderful tool, I was a little sad not to see that appear in the video. Of course, a textbook like Wheelocks is great in addition so that you have a resource for defining the rules and declensions and such.

[vodkatonyq]

I prefer doing both grammar and reading at the same time with Lingua Latīna per se illustrata and Assimil and then simply read. Wheelock I would most definitely leave for later once a considerably advanced level has been reached. That's what I've done with each language I've learned. Focusing too much on grammar from the get-go ends up being a major stumbling block, in my opinion.

[bigballetlover]

The Cambridge Latin Course is brilliant.

[quandoaliaagetur]

I learned Latin using Moreland & Fleischer and then took a course in translating Ovid. But now I tutor using LLPSI or CLC. I think the grammar approach is good if you are learning Latin purely as a compliment to, say, academic research on art history or something like that, where you don't have much time to dedicate to acquisition and you won't be doing extensive reading. But if you actually want to read extensively and enjoy the language, then the reading-based approach works best. However, I've personally found that when you inevitably hit the intermediate plateau and/or you want to improve your ability to actively use a foreign language, studying grammar can help you advance by clarifying or opening your eyes to things that have gone unnoticed or that you have a quasi intuitive understanding of but still struggle with. Nevertheless, nothing beats reading and listening a ton, no matter which approach you use to get started.

[williambunter]

Thank you for this. The main important thing is that whatever approach one chooses to adopt, a lot of reading is the key to success.

[NestoriusAlpha]

It is a false choice to say either/or. One can use both the grammar course and the reading course. It is not either/or, it is both. They are complementary.

[bhutchin]

If you can read French, I'd recommend starting out with Assimil's Latin - and Ancient Greek - courses with audio.

[VideosSTTME]

I wonder how those books resisted so well such a harsh treatment. Anyway, really informative and useful video, you have an impressive library!

[workingguy]

Howtobasic reviews classics textbooks.

[tomforde]

Thanks for this review it clarified so much for me. There are so many books and systems that is hard for the self learner to know where to begin. As for how you treat your books, they are your books. You can treat them how you like!

[montgomerylatin]

One of the most fair discussions I have heard on this topic!

[matildawolfram]

Wow, that's a good video! Many thanks to the author of the channel for the recommendations! The problem with many people is that they want to take a "magic pill" or get "secret knowledge" and immediately have skills and abilities. However, the truth of life is that knowledge, skills, and abilities do not come by themselves. You can't learn a foreign language without doing anything, without wasting your time and effort, just like you can't learn to ride a bike lying on a comfy couch, listening to lectures and watching videos about "modern methods of learning" on a bike. To really learn something, you have to really practice every day. You're going to fall down while you're learning, and you're going to get bumps - that's normal! The ups and downs of learning are an integral part of our lives. Motivation from success and depression from failure will always be your study companions. However, every student has problems in his or her studies that he or she lacks the knowledge to solve. It can be: poor memorization of words; no progress in language learning; the student can speak, but does not understand speech by ear; misunderstanding of grammar; incorrect pronunciation, etc. Agree that a problem you don't know how to solve is very demotivating. In order to find the answer to our question we have to spend a lot of time to read videos, articles and books by polyglots. In today's world, we have to solve problems as quickly as possible. I don't have time to study and analyze a huge amount of information. My goal is to master the basic knowledge of a foreign language as quickly as possible and already start earning money effectively in the international arena. I settled on the practical guide by Yuriy Ivantsiv " Polyglot's Notes: practical tips for learning foreign language". This book is always in my bag. If I have a problem while learning a language, I quickly find the answer in this book. There are many different techniques and tips for learning a foreign language in Polyglot Notes. I have made my own individual schedule and plan for language learning. Now I know what I am going to study, how I am going to study, when I am going to study and what results I am going to achieve. No problem could stop me! With an effective language learning plan my professional skills are more and more in demand internationally every day. Friends, don't stop there! Everyone has talents that millions of people around the world need! Learn the language and make your ideas and dreams come true! Thanks to the author of the channel for the informative and useful video! Your videos motivate me.

[jefbord]

After reading a few comments, all I have to say is make a video where you throw books in a dirty pond or burn them.



Just to hear the comment section squirm and squeal

[ΑναστασηςΣπανος-χη]

I love your English pronacation, greetings from Greece

[wandajames]

Can we use the Cambridge Latin course as self study?

[pardieupopper]

Well done, apposite explanation of the differences between the two kinds of textbooks. Thanks for this.

Brutus. Por Dios como trata los libros.

[chessparrotify]

I did the Cambridge Schools Classics Project Latin course, 1971-5. It was in its infancy then but it has run and run. I'm sure Pliny would have enjoyed it!

[barnealevi]

Thank you! I would prefer hearing Separately about current Greek options.

[kleiogoulielmou]

in the exercises are the correct answers written somewhere?