1. Classical Latin (c. 75 BC - 200 AD): This is the "standard" Latin, the language of literature, law, and government during the Roman Republic and early Empire. It was highly codified and used in formal settings.
2. Vulgar Latin (c. 1st century AD onwards): This was the everyday language spoken by ordinary Romans. It was less formal and evolved independently from Classical Latin, incorporating regional variations and influences from other languages. Vulgar Latin was the basis for the Romance languages.
3. Post-Classical Latin (c. 3rd - 8th centuries): After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Latin continued to be used in the Church and in scholarly circles, but it underwent further changes. This period saw the development of new Latin dialects, including those spoken in Spain, France, and Italy.
4. Romance Languages (c. 9th century onwards): As Vulgar Latin continued to evolve, it diverged into distinct regional languages. This process was influenced by geographical isolation, contact with other languages, and the rise of local literatures. These regional languages, including Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan, became known as the Romance languages.
Key Factors in the Change:
* Regional Variations: People living in different parts of the Roman Empire spoke Latin with slightly different pronunciations and vocabulary. These regional variations became more pronounced over time, contributing to the diversification of Latin.
* Contact with Other Languages: The Romans came into contact with a wide variety of languages, including Greek, Germanic, Celtic, and Iberian. These languages influenced Latin vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
* Social and Political Changes: The decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of Christianity, and the spread of literacy all contributed to changes in language use and evolution.
The Legacy of Latin:
* Romance Languages: Latin is the ancestor of many modern languages spoken around the world.
* Scientific Terminology: Many scientific terms are derived from Latin, which makes it important for understanding scientific and medical literature.
* Legal and Ecclesiastical Language: Latin was the language of law and the Catholic Church for centuries, and it still plays a role in these institutions today.
In Summary:
The evolution of the Roman language was a complex process involving regional variations, contact with other languages, and social and political changes. The legacy of Latin is immense, with its influence evident in many modern languages, scientific terminology, and legal and ecclesiastical institutions.