What language do Matteo Ricci speak?

Matteo Ricci was an Italian Jesuit missionary who lived from 1552 to 1610. He was known for his work in China, where he spent most of his adult life.

While his native language was Italian, Matteo Ricci became fluent in Classical Chinese and Mandarin (the language of the court). He also learned Cantonese and other regional dialects.

His mastery of these languages was crucial to his success in China. He translated numerous Western works into Chinese, including Euclid's _Elements_ and Christian texts. He also wrote extensively about Chinese culture and society, providing valuable insights for Europeans.