Vulgar and Medieval Latin Linguistics [ LGLOR2503 ]

Thorough knowledge of classical Latin (level reached at the end of the Bachelor cycle).

In-depth study of the language and texts of late Latin.

The course deals with the following themes:

1. The problem of "vulgar" Latin: definitions, sources,  and principal characteristics from a phonological, morphological, syntactical and lexical point of view.
2. Reading and commenting typical texts;
3. The evolution of the Latin of the late period, especially of the early medieval period: linguistic study of selected documents.

At the end of this course, the student will have acquired the principal characteristics of spoken Latin of the Imperial and early medieval periods. He will be capable of reading and interpreting typical texts of this period.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Oral exam.

Lectures with exercises (preparation of texts).

A systematic study of the principal linguistic modifications of Late Latin: phonology and prosodics, morphology, syntax, lexicology and semantics.

Study of literary texts ( e.g. Petronas, Itinerarium Egeriae, Gregory of Tours)  and documentary texts (e.g. Inscriptions from Pompeii, private letters , and legal documents.

- Väänänen, Introduction au latin vulgaire, 3e éd., Paris, 1981.
- Herman, Le latin vulgaire, Paris, 1975.
- Löfstedt, Late Latin, Oslo, 1959.
- Kramer, Vulgärlateinische Alltagsdokumente auf Papyri, Ostraka, Täfelchen und Inschriften, Berlin, 2007.

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