[Das Outsider]

Church latin to be sure, but it’s not impossible.

It isn't impossible at all. I imagine a modern Romanian might have little difficulty communicating with an ancient Roman--provided they're both alive at the time!

My original comment was in reference to Tax-chick's congregation, which, if I may be a little presumptuous here, probably doesn't include any ancient Roman politicians, Romanian peasants, or White Fathers--there are probably many fathers who happen to be white, however. ;)

[sionnsar]

probably doesn't include any ancient Roman politicians

Well, I think if you're referring to politicians of ancient Rome you're on pretty safe territory.

As well as very old Roman politicians.

[sionnsar]

I imagine a modern Romanian might have little difficulty communicating with an ancient Roman--provided they're both alive at the time!

Interesting discussion in Gaelic class years ago. Go back, say, to the time of Old English and you'd have difficult communications with an "English speaker."

At the same time, you'd only be back to "middle Gaelic," fairly understandable to a modern speaker of Scots Gaelic. (The Irish would note the absence of the present tense, developed after the Gaels moved over to Scotland but not in Scots Gaelic.)