Hello, my name is Javier Maldonado. I am a teacher of classical languages, I earned my BA and M.Ed. from Granada´s University as well as a Master in Arts from King´s College London. I have worked as a teacher of modern languages (Spanish and English) in both United Kingdom, where I lived for over 6 years, and in Spain. I have especialised in the teaching of Latin and Ancient greek as living languages as well over the course of several years, through courses on spoken Latin and Greek, as well as methodology training.
I have a mission: helping people interested in classical culture and texts to access the sources through the learning of those languages. That mission has led me to found Viva Voce Classics. At Viva Voce, (from latin, «by/through living word»), my purpose and mission is to help people like you, with an interest in the ancient world and its texts, to access the classical sources in the original through the learning of Latin and Ancient Greek. To this end, I have developed a methodology of teaching classical languages through immersion and completely online. We learn in a set-up of small groups of students where Latin and Greek become the vehicular language, in which we learn and communicate ourselves constatly. This kind of practice -the immersion in the language- prepares the student much better for the acquisition of these languages. Thus, it constitutes the most direct method towards accessing ancient texts in the original. I want to make available to you a method and a way of learing ancient languages which will allow you to achieve your goal: to acquire reading fluency in order to understand the texts of ancient sources. ¿Do you want to start this journey?
Achieving fluency at reading Latin is no impossible task, you can achieve it! And I am confindent that my courses will help you improve, you know why? Because it has already helped others!
Read the opinions from my students below:
Tengo muchísimo interés en “dominar” los textos sencillos, autores clásicos más comunes y hacer un uso activo de la lengua. La principal dificultad que tenía antes de empezar las clases VIVA VOCE CLASSICS es la adquisición y/o retención del vocabulario básico. Con estas clases magistrales, lúdicas y prácticas, el vocabulario se adquiere de manera progresiva y casi sin esfuerzo.
Ut supra dixi, me ha ayudado en la adquisición y uso correcto del vocabulario básico, a formular una oración en latín como si de otra segunda lengua se tratara. Este hecho revive la lengua latina y la convierte en una materia más atractiva en las aulas de ESO y Bach.Las clases tienen un enfoque muy práctico y una participación muy activa de todos sus participantes.
«Quiero poder leer libros aún no traducidos. Tenía dificultades para avanzar por mí mismo de forma efectiva y constante, empleaba tiempo en tareas que no me ayudaban a asimilar el idioma de una manera tan eficaz y llevadera. El método Viva Voce me ha ayudado a tener un dominio del latín mucho mayor, ahora sí puedo expresarme y entender textos con cierta fluidez y la sintaxis la puedo seguir de una forma instintiva, sin tener que casi reparar en ella. Con el vocabulario también ayudan muchísimo las clases, las palabras se memorizan sin mucho esfuerzo una vez has tenido que usarlas unas cuantas veces para hablar. En cuanto a la fluidez lectora, apenas la manejaba nada antes de comenzar con este método, e igualmente con la práctica he ido asimilando la pronunciación correcta poco a poco.»
Latin student of GROUP LESSONS
“I thoroughly enjoyed every lesson. The language came to life and we had such fun using it as a spoken language and from the moment he entered the classroom we would chat and discuss in Latin; we even acted out some role play. It made learning such a difficult language easier and relevant. Javier is a patient and considerate teacher and was always willing to help and explain. «.
Latin student of GROUP LESSONS
After a long search for a Greek tutor, I feel extremely fortunate to have found Javier. He is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher whose lessons have unearthed a surprising amount of my rusty Greek! Although I have experience with language immersion as a student and a teacher, I have been astounded by the effectiveness of Javier’s approach and am now convinced that more Greek and Latin programs should use immersion methods. Continuing my language studies with Javier has been a joy!
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Greek student - individual lessons
«Vivavoceclassics, gracias por organizar este tipo de cursos. Yo hice online el de Salustio y me encantó. Las clases fueron íntegramente en latín. ¡Se explicó el texto de Salustio en Latín!. Aprendí mucho en poco tiempo y disfruté de la lectura y comprensión de uno de nuestros historiadores latinos más relevantes. Es más, éramos alumnos de diferentes nacionalidades y nuestra lengua vehicular era el latín. Enhorabuena por los cursos!».
Latin student - individual lessons
Alumna de latín