Latin for dummies ...

[Luanne]

Is there such a thing or something that could help even me learn Latin? Also, what are the benefits of learning Latin? Is it even worth my time and effort?

[forty-two]

Here you go: Latin for Dummies (http://www.amazon.com/Latin-Dummies-Clifford-Hull/dp/076455431X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245339791&sr=8-1) :D No idea if it is any good, though.

As for the benefits of learning Latin: The primary one is being able to read the Latin classics in Latin. There are also several ancillary benefits.
Some links:
*Why Latin? (http://www.latincentered.com/node/196) And Why Not Latin (http://www.latincentered.com/node/197)
*An apology for Latin and Math (http://www.memoriapress.com/articles/apology-latin-math.html)
*Latin - the Basic Subject (http://www.memoriapress.com/articles/Latin-Basic-Subject.html)

Personally, I'm learning Latin to read the Latin classics: they have been considered great for two millennia, are foundational to western thought, and translations are not the same. The ancillary benefits are also worth having, but I'm not convinced that Latin is so superior at developing them that it is worth studying even if you see no value in ever using Latin. Others disagree - you can see their viewpoint at the links above.

[forty-two]

As for user friendly Latin resources:

*Getting Started in Latin (http://www.gettingstartedwithlatin.com/) - Great intro - really takes the intimidation factor out; you can see samples at the site.

*The Intelligent Person's Guide to the Latin Language (http://www.orbilat.com/Languages/Latin/Alternative_Grammars/index.html) - online Latin grammar overview, if you are the sort who needs (or likes) to see the big picture first

Here are a couple sites that compare Latin resources: Paula's Archives (http://www.redshift.com/%7Ebonajo/latincurricula.htm) and HomeschoolChristian.com (http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/curricula/classiclang/index.php).

[langfam]

I second Getting Started With Latin.