this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Preview first page
Document Details :

Title: Between Propaganda and Political Oppression
Subtitle: A Study of the Societas Latina during National Socialism (1932-1945)
Author(s): SCHÖN, Katharina-Maria
Journal: Humanistica Lovaniensia
Volume: 74    Date: 2025   
Pages: 147-182
DOI: 10.2143/HLO.74.0.3294848

Abstract :
This article proposes a novel contribution to the discourses about the Latin language in the twentieth century by examining the German association Societas Latina and its eponymous journal (1932-1945). The study shows how this society sought to revive Latin as a world language and how it navigated the challenge to publish under a totalitarian regime. In contrast to Fascist Italy, where Latin was completely usurped for ideological purposes, writing in this language obtained more dimensions in National Socialist Germany. The editors of the Societas Latina played an active role in shaping its openness and in creating a politically polyphonous community. While incorporating propagandistic texts in support of Hitler’s agenda, they also carved out a space for marginalised and oppressed voices. Ultimately, the failed attempt to make Latin a universal language and its perceived obscurity in National Socialist Germany turned the language into a means of expressing subtle political dissent.

Download article