<P> Latin (Latin: lingua latīna, IPA: (ˈlɪŋɡwa laˈtiːna)) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo - European languages . The Latin alphabet is derived from the Etruscan and Greek alphabets, and ultimately from the Phoenician alphabet . </P> <P> Latin was originally spoken in Latium, in the Italian Peninsula . Through the power of the Roman Republic, it became the dominant language, initially in Italy and subsequently throughout the Roman Empire . Vulgar Latin developed into the Romance languages, such as Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Romanian . Latin and French have contributed many words to the English language . Latin and Ancient Greek roots are used in theology, biology, and medicine . </P> <P> By the late Roman Republic (75 BC), Old Latin had been standardised into Classical Latin . Vulgar Latin was the colloquial form spoken during the same time and attested in inscriptions and the works of comic playwrights like Plautus and Terence . Late Latin is the written language from the 3rd century, and Medieval Latin the language used from the 9th century to the Renaissance which used Renaissance Latin . Later, Early Modern Latin and Modern Latin evolved . Latin was used as the language of international communication, scholarship, and science until well into the 18th century, when it began to be supplanted by vernaculars . Ecclesiastical Latin remains the official language of the Holy See and the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church . </P> <P> Today, many students, scholars and members of the Catholic clergy speak Latin fluently as a liturgical language . It is taught in primary, secondary and postsecondary educational institutions around the world . </P>

When did they stop speaking latin in italy
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