From Latin to Portuguese - Edwin B. Williams
From Latin to Portuguese: The Evolution of a Romance Language
By Edwin B. Williams
In this comprehensive and engaging book, Edwin B. Williams takes readers on a fascinating journey through the evolution of Portuguese, one of the world's most widely spoken Romance languages. From its origins in Latin to its development into a distinct language, Williams provides a detailed and accessible account of the linguistic and cultural forces that shaped Portuguese.
The Romance Languages
The Romance languages are a group of languages that evolved from Vulgar Latin, the spoken form of Latin that was used by the common people of the Roman Empire. Portuguese is one of the five major Romance languages, along with Spanish, French, Italian, and Romanian.
The History of Portuguese
Portuguese originated in the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula, in what is now Portugal. The earliest written records of Portuguese date back to the 12th century, but the language had been spoken for centuries before that.
Portuguese developed in close contact with other Romance languages, particularly Spanish and Galician. However, it also developed its own unique features, such as the use of nasal vowels and the loss of the final -e in many words.
The Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire played a major role in the spread of Portuguese around the world. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese explorers and colonists established settlements in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. As a result, Portuguese became a global language, spoken by people on every continent.
Portuguese Today
Today, Portuguese is spoken by over 200 million people in Portugal, Brazil, and other countries around the world. It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and East Timor.
Portuguese is also a widely studied foreign language, due to its importance in international trade and diplomacy.
Why Read From Latin to Portuguese?
From Latin to Portuguese is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history and evolution of Portuguese. Williams' clear and engaging writing style makes the book accessible to readers of all levels, from students to scholars.
The book is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Romance languages in general. By understanding the development of Portuguese, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Romance language family.
Conclusion
From Latin to Portuguese is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of Portuguese. Williams' comprehensive and engaging book provides a wealth of information on the linguistic and cultural forces that shaped Portuguese, making it an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone else interested in the Romance languages.