Understanding Language: A Guide for Beginning Students of Greek & Latin
"This is an essential companion to introductory texts on first-year Greek or first-year Latin. As students learn less and less English grammar in primary and secondary education, virtually all foreign-language instructors must supplement their standard introductions. Why not do it with a book that teaches exactly what is needed to understand beginning Greek and Latin grammar, no more and no less? Equally valuable for both languages, with little that is superfluous for either, Fairbairn's book is clear, concise, and motivational. I recommend it enthusiastically."--Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary"Fairbairn'sUnderstanding Languageilluminates the complexities of both classical tongues in many helpful ways by anticipating major challenges faced by today's classics teachers in explaining, and their Anglophone students in comprehending, grammatical issues. His emphasis on the functions of forms is especially welcome and impressive."--Judith P. Hallett, Professor of Classics, University of Maryland"Understanding Languageis a unique and helpful book for both students and teachers of classical (andkoine) Greek and Latin. It is unique in that it treats the fundamentals of both ancient languages simultaneously; it does not give undue emphasis and priority to English grammar, but presents the `forest,' namely the basic building blocks of language generally conceived, before the `trees,' that is, the specifics of Greek, Latin, and English. The author provides helpful hints for using this book to supplement (but not replace) the material provided in customary Greek and Latin textbooks."--Rev. William B. Palardy, Rector and President, Blessed John XXIII National Seminary