How to Learn a New (Dead) Language | ALI Roundtable

There's a whole field of research devoted to the question of how to go about learning or teaching a foreign language. This field, Second Language Acquisition, encompasses a variety of theories, approaches, and methodologies. What if the new language you want to learn is an ancient one like biblical Greek, Latin, or Old English? What's the best way to learn a "dead" language?
In this roundtable discussion, Jonathan Roberts and Carter Ehnis of the Ancient Language Institute are joined by Nick Messmer, Co-founder of Biblingo, and Colin Gorrie, a linguist and Old English teacher, to discuss the best way to learn a new (dead) language.
We'll be livestreaming, so please feel free to drop questions into the comments!
Brought to you by ancientlanguag...
Helpful links:
Colin Gorrie's linguistics website: www.colingorri...
Biblingo: biblingo.org/
"Why the Grammar-Translation Method Does Not Work (And What Does)" by Colin Gorrie: ancientlanguag...
ALI's Latin for Kids program: ancientlanguag...
Learn Latin: ancientlanguag...
Learn Attic Greek: ancientlanguag...
Learn Koine Greek: ancientlanguag...
Learn Biblical Hebrew: ancientlanguag...

[@walterstevens3874]

I seldom make it past 5 or 6 minutes on videos. I started watching this and was still watching 2 hrs and 2 minutes later when it ended. Fascinating subject. The four participants are very knowledgeable and communicated that knowledge so clearly. The host kept the discussion moving with excellent questions. Although the host is also clearly an expert on the subject, he didn’t try to dominate the discussion, but brought out the best that each person had to offer.

[@ancientlanguageinstitute]

So glad you enjoyed - kudos for making it the whole 2 hours!

[@DawsonSWilliams]

Thank you all, for your contributions in this discussion. The central question of how to acquire ancient languages is at the center of my studies, right now. Ultimately, I do not think we can fully acquire Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Latin, etc., unless we can have in person discussions, and physical demonstrations (like plays and performances), as to be able to ‘embody’ the languages like the native speakers of old.
I am incredibly inspired by the mission of A.L.I (in particular), and I would love to see a physical location established soon. We need a meeting place, for all the scholars to congregate. I realize how expensive it is to have a physical institute built-yet, it is invaluable for the reemergence of ancient languages. I happen to live very close to Moscow (in the city of Coeur d’Alene), and I know of more than a few aspiring scholars who are eager to get involved with A.L.I. I am enthusiastic about the future of the field of ancient language acquisition, and I plan to make contributions of my own, when granted the opportunity to do so.
Many Thanks,
Dawson

[@ancientlanguageinstitute]

Thanks for the kind words, Dawson! We'll be having our very first in-person gathering this August, in Eugene, OR: ancientlanguage.com/greek-camp/
We agree that there is no replacement for in-person interaction. Creating a way to accomplish such a thing is always bouncing around in our heads. It feels far off; but we're in this for the long haul...

[@DawsonSWilliams]

@@ancientlanguageinstitute Absolutely-the community of ancient language scholars and enthusiasts will only continue to grow!
Are you planing to attend the Living Latin event in Manhattan, next month? It should be a promising weekend.
Also, if you would like to meet in Coeur d’Alene for philosophical discussion sometime, feel free to message me.

[@rishabsharma8766]

I don't know why you tube recommended me this
But okay
It's an interesting topic

[@ancientlanguageinstitute]

💪 this is how we win

[@michaelm393]

Why comment at all?

[@curtiepi]

I’m trying to decide between Greek and Latin. 😊

[@ancientlanguageinstitute]

A hard decision! Of course, we say: Why not both? But in the short term, it's good to start with one and add the next later. In order to pick what to do first, our advice is generally to imagine yourself as a proficient reader of Latin and then as a proficient reader of Greek. What would you read first in each language? And which makes you more excited?
That excitement is important, because that goal of reading a great text in its original language is the fire that will carry you through the long stretches of hard work, when reading proficiency still feels far off. So whichever one makes you more excited - do that!

[@thepolyhobbyist]

Easy, choose old Egyptian.😂

[@mister_satan]

I think that is necessary add Coptic to the list of languages that teach

[@ancientlanguageinstitute]

Some day, God willing!