Welcome to The Ancient Polyglot. Here is where I share with you information on how to learn a language quickly and effectively, as well as resources on various languages that I’ve studied myself. Although this area is not exclusive to the biblical and classical languages, they are certainly the focus. Please remember that this section is a work in progress, and I’ll continue to update it as I find new resources.
General Language Resources
How to learn any language in six months – This short TED talk provides valuable help for anyone interested in learning a spoken language in a rapid timeframe.
Learning two languages at once – useful tips for the highly ambitious!
Ranieri Re-Reading Technique – This technique highlights reading as a powerful method to learn new grammar and vocabulary.
Quizlet – I’ve created hundreds, if not thousands, of vocabulary cards on quizlet, a powerful tool for language study.
Accordance Bible Software – one of the best methods for learning a new language is to read the Bible in the target language. I use Accordance (a Mac-based software) for much of my biblical-language study, and it’s also useful for modern language Bible study.
Levels of Language Proficiency – This page gives useful information about language proficiency levels; the chart on CEFR levels is particularly helpful as you try to understand which level you are in and which level you are aiming for.
Deconstructing Language – Here is an incredibly useful concept for when you begin studying a language – spend an hour to ‘deconstruct’ it. This will provide useful insight in how the language works, before you begin studying it.
12 Rules for Learning Foreign Languages – The title says enough!
How to Learn Any Language in 3 Months – Not only is the article useful, but the lists of 100 most common words are essential for guiding your study.
How to Improve Listening Skills – Listening skills are probably the hardest part of modern language learning; this article explains how to improve them quickly.
How Long Do I Need to Improve My Listening Skills? – While focused on Spanish, this article helpfully sets expectations.
How Many Words to Learn in a Target Language
Greek (ἡ γλωσσα ἑλληνικη)
Core Greek Vocabulary – The most important words to learn for students of ancient/classical Greek. If you are only focused on Biblical Greek, then this list contains many unnecessary words.
Woodhouse English-Greek Dictionary – A useful dictionary for those wanting to translate into Latin
Perseus Greek Dictionary – This powerful tool provides access to some of the best definitions of Classical Greek Words.
Lingua Graeca Per Se Illustrata – A work in progress, this online book is attempting to Greek equivalent for the Latin textbook (see below).
Ancient Greek Paradigms – Massive list of all you should need
A School Grammar of Attic Greek
The Greek Optative Mood – A mood rarely used in the New Testament, but more common in Attic Greek
The books you need – Basics of Biblical Greek, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics
Hebrew (לָשׁוֹן–עִבְרִי)
Basic Hebrew Vocabulary – The core vocabulary for students of Biblical Hebrew.
Biblical Hebrew Readers – I’ve not used this myself, but it seems like a useful tool for increasing Hebrew vocabulary.
The books you need – Basics of Biblical Hebrew
Latin (Lingua Latina)
Latin Wikipedia – An outstanding resource for those who want to practice reading about anything in the modern world, in Latin.
Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata – The absolute best textbook for learning Latin. I recommend working through Wheelock’s Latin first, then continuing by working through this book. Written entirely in Latin, this book begins with simple phrases and continually progresses, telling the story of a Roman family.
Whether Speaking in Latin is a Worthwhile Pursuit?
A Latin Macronizer – Adds the macron to texts that do not include it – a useful tool for beginners.
Improving Spoken Fluency in Latin
The books you need – Wheelock’s Latin
Aramaic (לִשָׁן–אֲרָמִית)
Basics of Biblical Aramaic – The best introductory textbook and workbook for students of Biblical Aramaic.
Spanish (La lengua Española)
Spanish Dictionary and Translator – A go-to resource for anyone who is studying Spanish.
Rocket Spanish – There are a number of Spanish programs that provide high-quality instruction. I’ve used this resource, which does a fine job.
Daniel Tigre En Español – A simple kid’s show that works well to work on basic Spanish
REAL Diccionario – The official dictionary of Spanish
How many Spanish words should you learn?
