Square Notes: The Sacred Music Podcast SE07 EP11 - A Church Musician’s Guide to the History of the Pronunciation of Latin - with Dr. John Pepino
Apr 25, 2025
Dr. John Pepino, a Greek and Latin instructor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary and dean of the Veterum Sapientia Institute, delves into the evolution of Latin pronunciation, tracing its journey from ancient roots to its ecclesiastical use today. He discusses St. Jerome's challenges with the Vulgate and the push against standardized texts. The conversation also highlights fascinating anecdotes about the tensions between traditional and modern pronunciations, revealing how these differences impact sacred music and contemporary liturgical practice.
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Latin's Ancient Origins
- Latin started as one of several Italic languages spoken in ancient Italy and evolved from a small village dialect.
- Early Latin inscriptions show significant differences from the classical Latin we recognize today.
Latin Pronunciation Evolution
- Latin pronunciation evolved distinct from its classical written form with regional and temporal variations.
- By St. Augustine's time, distinctions like long and short vowels and aspirates were often lost in spoken language.
Reconstructing Classical Latin Sound
- Six methods, including Latin grammarians, puns, poetry, and comparisons with other languages, help reconstruct classical Latin pronunciation.
- Vowels' length and consonant qualities are better understood through poetry and linguistic comparison.