Who Speaks Latin?
* Scholars and Students: Latin is still studied extensively in schools and universities, particularly in fields like history, literature, philosophy, and law. Many scholars and students can read, write, and even speak Latin to a degree.
* Clergy: The Catholic Church uses Latin in some of its official ceremonies and texts.
* Hobbyists and Enthusiasts: Some people learn Latin as a hobby or out of personal interest. There are even groups and communities dedicated to speaking and learning Latin.
* Reconstructed Latin: Some groups are trying to revive Latin as a living language, creating new vocabulary and adapting the grammar to modern usage. This is more of a linguistic experiment than a widespread phenomenon.
Is it a Dead Language?
While Latin is not a native language anymore, its influence is undeniable. It's the foundation of many modern languages, and its vocabulary and grammar are still relevant in many fields.
So, to answer your question directly, people do speak Latin, but it's not a language used in everyday life like English, Spanish, or Mandarin. It's more commonly used for academic, religious, or hobbyist purposes.