The (ALF; English: Academy for the Promotion of the Latin Language) is a learned society founded in 1967 to promote the use of the Latin language, both written and spoken. Note: See "External links" section for link to full text

Mission John Byron Kuhner writes that "the ALF remains, as one member called it, 'the only major fully international body devoted to preserving and promoting the use of Latin in both speaking and in writing'." Kuhner describes an ALF conference: At first glance, this would appear to be a typical academic conference. Professors are reading papers in lecture halls. But much is different. Everything is conducted in Latin — papers, announcements, conversations over meals.

The Academy describes its mission as follows: ALF's Original Latin English TranslationThe Academy strives to ensure that the Latin language is offered for learning and practice wherever possible, not only by translating texts into vernacular languages, as is the long-established custom, but also by writing and speaking.

A top priority of the Academy is to facilitate the use of modern and more lively methods in schools where Latin is taught, so that students are motivated to learn by enjoyment. — ALF, academialatinitatifovendae.com (2026)

History Scholar Karolis M. Lyvens summarizes the evolution and present mission and role of ALF:

Initially the movement had an ambition to restore the international use of Latin, but later the changed circumstances consisting from the deteriorated knowledge and position of Latin made it doubt its aims, which were clearly not achievable any more. ... The Academy returned to its roots as an organisation uniting the scholars who believe in the vitality of Latin and who use the language actively.

Publications (): The academy's primary academic, research and literary journal, entirely in Latin. : Proceedings of ALF's major international conventions : Proceedings of topical Latin seminars and workshops; specific thematic discussions [Books]: Book series published under the ALF imprint.

Notable members Sources:

Orazio Antonio Bologna (2013) Italy Armand D'Angour (2023) U.K. (proposed member) Synnøve des Bouvrie (1998) Norway Neil Coffee (2011) U.S. Jason Harris (2015) Ireland Christian Laes, (2007) Belgium Karolis Lyvens (2025) Lithuania Milena Minkova (1998) Bulgaria, U.S. Luigi Miraglia (2011) Italy Patrick Owens (2017) U.S. (of Nuntii Latini) (1968) Finland Reijo Pitkäranta (2006) Finland François Ploton-Nicollet (2018) France Vibeke Roggen (2006) Norway Dirk Sacré (1995) Belgium Terence Tunberg (1998) U.S. (2010) Finland Florian Schaffenrath (2018) Austria Alexej Slednikov (2019) Russia (2000) Germany Roberto Spataro, SDB (2015) Italy Akihiko Watanabe (2021) Japan

See also

Pontifical Academy for Latin

Living Latin Latinitas Foundation

Jean Capelle, more details at Jean Capelle Pierre Grimal Pietro Romanelli

References Citations

External links Sodales List of members of the Global Latinists - Contains the full text of the cited "Global Latinists" article from volume 36 of The New Criterion (paywalled), at a blog edited by the Paideia Institute, an educational institute.