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Classical Liberal Arts Academy
Grammar I
Lesson 01. Introduction to Grammar
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You must complete the following assignments for this lesson:
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Study the Prelection.
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Complete the Lesson Exercises.
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Read the Grammar Rules.
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Memorize the Grammar Rules.
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Complete the Lesson Examination.
1. Prelection
Directions: Read the following prelection carefully. It is designed to help you understand your rules and complete this lesson rightly. You should know everything in this prelection before taking your lesson exam.
In this first lesson, we will begin with an introduction to Grammar. We learn in the first rule that Grammar is the art of speaking and writing well. We learn this art by first knowing letters and their sounds. We see that in Latin, there are only 23 letters--less than English, which has 26. The letters look the same, but there are two important differences: (1) they have different names and (2) they signify different sounds than in English. By listening to the Latin pronunciation guide below, you can learn how to pronounce every letter perfectly.
In rules 4-8, we learn that there are two basic kinds of letters: Vowels and Consonants. Vowels are simply sounds made with the voice, as when we hum. By changing the shape of our lips, the height of our tongue and the openness of our mouth, we make different vowel sounds. Each basic vowel sound we make is signified by a letter: A, E, I, O and U. Consonant sounds are simply ways in which we block or change vowel sounds. For example, if we shut our lips together while making a vowel sound, we'll make the sound signified by the letters B, P or F. If we block the sound of a vowel in our throats, well make the sound signified by G, C, or H. These letters are called "consonants" because they must be pronounced with a vowel--they make no sound by themselves.
In rules 9-11, we learn about diphthongs, which are special pairs of vowels that are blended together when spoken. These sounds are important because even though they are formed by two letters, they are always treated as one--like a husband and wife.
Lastly, in rules 12-15 we learn about the different pieces that make up language: letters, syllables, words and finally, the parts of speech.
These rules must be thoroughly memorized. You should be able to have a parent or friend ask you the question, and give them the answer just as it is written--only without looking! You don't need to worry about what this or that means in each rule. Simply memorize the rules, study this prelection and complete your examination when ready.
2. Lesson Exercises
Directions: Complete each of the activities listed below before attempting your lesson exam.
Study
the Latin Pronunciation Guide.
3. Grammar Rules 1-15
Directions: Read each question and recite the answer several times. Then, read and discuss the lessons (if any) below. By daily repetition, thoroughly memorize the Rules. By clicking on each question, you can listen to a recording of that question and its answer. This can be played a many times as you wish to help you memorize each rule or just once to hear the rule spoken clearly. The recording will open in a new window, so return here to read along with the instructor.
1. What is Grammar?
Grammar is the art of speaking and writing well.
2. Where does Grammar get
its name?
Grammar gets its name from the Greek word gramma, which signifies
"a letter".
3. How many letters are
used in Latin?
In Latin, twenty-three letters are used: A, B, C, D, E, F, G; H, I, K, L, M, N, O,
P; Q, R, S, T, U, X, Y, Z.
4. How are the letters
divided?
The letters are divided into vowels and consonants.
5. How many vowels are there in Latin?
In Latin, there are five vowels: A, E, I, O and U. Y is a Greek vowel and is found only in words coming from Greek.
6. Why are these called
vowels?
These are called vowels because they make a perfect voice when pronounced alone.
7. How many consonants are
there?
There are sixteen consonants. H seems to be a consonant, but is only a note
of aspiration.
8. Why are they called consonants?
They are called consonants because when joined with vowels, they make a sound with them.
9. What is a diphthong?
A diphthong is a conjunction of two vowels in the same syllable.
10. How is a diphthong to
be pronounced?
A diphthong is to be pronounced with a double sound, so that each vowel of which it is
compounded may be heard.
11. How many diphthongs are
there?
Six: AE,
AU, EI, EU, OE, UI; as in Nostrae, Laus, Dei, Euge, Coeli, Tui.
12. Of what is a syllable
made?
A syllable is made of one or more letters.
13. Of what is a word made?
A Word is made of one or more syllables, as Mors
(death) and Do-mi-num (the Lord).
Speech is made of one or more words, as Euge! (Well done!) and Dominum laudate. (Praise the Lord)
15. How many parts of
speech are there?
There are eight parts of speech:
Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Participle; Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection.
The first four are declined, the last four are undeclined.
4. Lesson Examination
Directions: When you have completed all of your assignments above, complete your lesson exam.
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