Fatshimetrie, November 9, 2024 – As part of a doctoral thesis presented at the National Pedagogical University (UPN) of Kinshasa, an in-depth study was conducted on Latin borrowings from Greek and certain grammaticalized words in the first five books of “The City of God” by Saint Augustine. This research, led by Mpadi Lumbika, head of research, highlighted the importance of linguistic and cultural exchanges between Latin and Greek, two essential languages of the time.
Latin, as an Indo-European language, occupied a prominent place for centuries as the dominant language of the Roman Empire. Before the fall of this great power, Latin absorbed many words and expressions from Greek and other languages of the time. This linguistic fusion enriched the Latin vocabulary and testifies to cultural interactions within the Roman Empire.
The study addressed in two parts the integration and evolution of Latin borrowings into Greek. The first part focused on the phonological and morphological aspects of these borrowings, highlighting the linguistic changes and adaptations that accompanied their integration into the Latin language.
It is undeniable that language, as a central element of social and human life, is constantly evolving through borrowings and cultural exchanges. The Roman Empire, through its geographical reach and commercial exchanges, facilitated linguistic interactions between Latin and Greek, thus contributing to the mutual enrichment of these two languages.
The “City of God” by Saint Augustine, written between 412 and 426 AD, is an emblematic work that testifies to the fusion between Roman culture and Christian thought. In response to the attacks of pagans against Christians, Saint Augustine elaborated a profound reflection on the relationship between God and the earthly city, making his work a pillar of Latin literature.
This thesis, supervised by Professor Jean-Baptiste Nsuka, earned its author the degree of Doctor of Latin Letters and Civilizations with honors, thus highlighting the quality and rigor of his research. It highlights the importance of linguistic and cultural borrowings in the evolution of languages and societies, offering a new perspective on the mutual influences that shaped the linguistic landscape of Antiquity.