an online book by David Gurteen
Conversari is a Latin verb meaning “to associate with others,” “to live or dwell,” or “to converse.” In ancient Rome, conversari referred to engaging in friendly, informal conversation or social interaction. It implied spending time with others, exchanging ideas, and participating in intellectual discourse or debate.
Words can reveal insights into the history and evolution of language. The word “conversation” has significantly changed its meaning and usage over time. What is the origin and history of “conversation”, and how has its meaning changed? Continue reading Etymology of Conversation A history of the word “conversation”
Let’s start by looking at and comparing the meaning of the Latin terms “sermo” and “conversari” as they are closely related.
The Latin term “sermo” encapsulates a rich array of meanings, all revolving around the concept of communication and the exchange of ideas. In its primary sense, “sermo” refers to conversation, discussion, or talk, often implying a casual or … Continue reading Cicero’s Sermo ** Conversari
The Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and scientific revolution in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a focus on reason and critical thinking, was fueled by lively conversation, where ideas were shared, debated, and improved through social interaction. At the heart of this conversational ferment lay a surprising source: the ancient Roman art of informal discourse, known … Continue reading The Conversational Enlightenment ** Was fueled by a surprisng source, the ancient Roman art of convesration known as sermo
