Richard Gilder

Via Facilis: Mastering Latin and Understanding Language Richard Gilder

Via Facilis: Mastering Latin and Understanding Language, is an introductory Latin text forstudents from grade 6 through college. VF presumes no prior critical analysisof language. VF employs both traditional grammatical deductive andreading-based inductive pedagogies in a hybrid method. VF begins the learningof Latin through English, which the students know and scrutinize, howeversubconsciously. Once the students are actively aware both of the basic elementsof the English sentence, and of their composition and arrangement therein, theyturn their focus to Latin. VF helpsstudents develop sensitivity to the structure of Latin: how its sentences buildand change. The keystone of VF is Building Blocks. Each chapter's BuildingBlocks require students to continually revisit the same words, an aid tovocabulary acquisition. Revisitation calls attentionto word order. The various permutations from block to block enable students tosee Latin's flexibility. Students can read original Latin with real comprehension at anearly stage because of their solid grasp of the morphology and syntax of thelanguage fostered by a keen awareness of how the Latin sentence builds. Finally, students develop a consciousness of the fundamental workings and idiosyncracies not just of English, but of language ingeneral.