Botanical Latin
Botanical Latin is the technical language that was required until 2012 by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to be used for the descriptions of most new taxa.[1] It is still the only language other than English accepted for descriptions. The names of organisms governed by the Code of Nomenclature also have forms based on Latin.
Structure
C'est le latin arrangé par Linné à l'usage des descriptions et, j'oserai dire, à l'usage de ceux qui n'aiment ni les complications grammaticales, ni les phrases disposées sens desus dessous." (Quoted by W. T. Stearn[2]) [It is the Latin chosen by Linneaus for the purpose of descriptions, and, I dare to say, for the use of those who love neither grammatical complications nor phrases arranged with senses on top of one another.]
De Candolle estimated that to learn it would take three months' work for an English speaker not already familiar with any language of Latin origin, and one month for an Italian.[2]
English Pronunciation
Footnotes
References
- McNeill, J.; Barrie, F.R.; Buck, W.R.; Demoulin, V.; Greuter, W.; Hawksworth, D.L.; Herendeen, P.S.; Knapp, S.; Marhold, K.; Prado, J.; Prud'homme Van Reine, W.F.; Smith, G.F.; Wiersema, J.H.; Turland, N.J. (2012). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code) adopted by the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress Melbourne, Australia, July 2011. Vol. Regnum Vegetabile 154. A.R.G. Gantner Verlag KG. ISBN 978-3-87429-425-6.
- Stearn, William T. (1992) [1966]. Botanical Latin : history, grammar, syntax, terminology and vocabulary (4 ed.). Portland, Or.: Timber Press. ISBN 9780881923216. Retrieved 19 February 2015.