Although the Greek language may not be among the most widely spoken languages globally, it holds remarkable significance as a fundamental pillar of the English language. Just as English borrows from Latin and shares similarities with German and French, it also heavily incorporates Greek into its vocabulary, especially within the realms of science and academia.
A typical example of this intermixing is evident in the word "bicycle," which draws roots from both Latin and the Greek language.
The prefix "bi" meaning "two" in Latin, and "cycle," though Latinised, originates from the Greek word "kyclos" which means"circle."
Countless other English words trace their origins back to the brilliance of Ancient Greek, especially in the fields of science, philosophy, and mathematics.
Today we continue to benefit from the astonishing knowledge of civilisations like Ancient Greece whose influence and legacy continue to enrich our understanding of the world.
Reasons to Learn Modern Greek
If you are considering learning modern Greek, it could be with the view to emigrate or travel. As a country which boasts breath-taking landscapes, a pleasant climate, and delectable cuisine, there is no doubt that Greece is one of the best destinations in the world for adventurous souls.
If this sounds like you, consider that when you learn even the basics of the Greek language you will not only enhance your experience in Greece, but you will broaden your horizons and expand your ability to communicate with people from all over the world. In addition, knowing how to speak a foreign language is an excellent way to impress everyone from prospective employers to your friends and family.
Another advantage to learning the Greek language is that it can empower you to gain a deeper and more comprehensive grasp of English. For example, consider the word "Kronos," which translates to "time" in Greek. By understanding a root word and its patterns, one can more easily discern the structure of complex English words.
Take "chronograph" or "chronological" as further examples. Both of these words carry Greek suffixes that combine with the root to convey different meanings. The word "graph," originates from the ancient Greek "graphō" which means "to draw by scratching or scraping a surface.” When combined with "chrono" to form "chronograph," it pertains to a type of watch with timekeeping features.
To help understand this, why not try and come up with an exercise yourself?
If you knew that the suffix of "chronological" comes from the Greek word "logos," see if you can come up with a definition for "logos" and verify it with an internet search to see if you were correct.
Check out our article on Greek philosophers if you're keen on exploring more about Greek history and culture.
What About Greek Alphabet Order?
Whether you aim to learn Greek online, acquire the language for free, or follow a more conventional approach, it's essential to be aware of all available resources to maximise your learning efficiency.
Understanding the Greek alphabet order, for instance, will also shed light on the question of whether Greek is difficult to learn.
It is undisputed that a structured, formal course is usually the best way to impart skills and knowledge, however if you do not have the budget or time, there are other options to consider.
In today's world, many people learn languages in their spare time or as a hobby, particularly if it's not part of a formal educational curriculum. This trend has led to the popularity of mobile language learning apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Language Transfer.
Here's a brief overview of each if you want to learn to speak Greek on your own:
An interactive app that offers gamified language lessons and makes learning enjoyable and engaging. It covers various aspects of Greek language learning.
A renowned language learning platform that emphasises immersion through visual and auditory content while it helps learners to develop language skills organically.
This app adopts an innovative audio-based approach, encouraging learners to understand the structure and patterns of Greek by comparing it to their native language.
From learning Greek alphabet order to mastering conversational, modern Greek, it is possible to learn Greek on your own if you have discipline and someone to help you along the way.
If this sounds like your way of learning to speak Greek, here is more detail on each of these apps.
Duolingo
This app is the epitome of diversity and simplicity. It offers a free version that is filled with adverts as well as a more in-depth offering for an affordable subscription fee. Even if you opt not to pay and tolerate the ads, using the app is as straightforward as opening it, selecting a language course, and diving right into a series of quick 5-minute lessons that focus on specific topics within a structured curriculum.
Religiously adhering to this app will transform you into a grammatical expert and help to equip you with essential Greek vocabulary. However, it falls short in providing a natural conversational setting, which is crucial for attaining fluency and mastering natural intonations in a language.
If you decide to learn Greek with Duolingo, consider supplementing it with real-world practice or investing in a private Greek language tutor. By combining different approaches, there is no doubt that you will enhance your overall language learning experience and gain more well-rounded language skills.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone offers a slightly more intricate experience, available both as an app and on desktop browsers. Compared to Duolingo, it is a pricier option but provides a more extensive and comprehensive language learning solution. Its longstanding presence in the market has earned it the reputation of a trusted and proven method for language learning.
If you prefer a more serious and focused approach without the playful quips and cartoons of Duolingo, Rosetta Stone is a compelling choice, especially if you have the financial means to invest in a language-learning journey.
Language Transfer
If you're seeking a high-quality language learning option without spending anything, Language Transfer is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide completely free resources but it also offers recordings of one-to-one lessons between a teacher and volunteer student so that you can follow along. Each course, including Greek, is designed like a podcast, with lessons building on previous topics. In addition, lessons focus on understanding the root structure of the language (in the case of modern Greek this would include Greek alphabet order) to enable you to learn it as if it were your first language.
If apps are not your preferred learning method and you prefer a more traditional approach, there are books available that you can go through either by yourself, or with a tutor. This approach is helpful especially if budget constraints are a concern. Why not explore what is on offer at your local library, which is likely to have language learning guidebooks available. You can read and learn all about the Greek language for free, with the only formality being the periodic renewal of the book lease.
In addition, YouTube is a treasure trove of free language learning videos. Whenever you encounter difficulties with a particular concept, or if you want to try a full language course online, make sure to check out this widely popular video sharing platform for additional learning resources.
Having said this, if you want to speak Greek fluently, there is no doubt that dedicated tuition from a human being is by the far the most effective way to learn a language. A tutor will also expose you to elements of Greek culture, art and history.
Learn to Speak Greek by Starting with These Basics
Assuming that you are still reading, it is likely that you are serious about wanting to learn Greek. So, here are a few simple Greek phrases to help inspire you to start your journey.
Remember that Greek has both formal and informal forms of speech, so ensure the phrases are appropriate for the context in which you use them!
| English | Greek |
|---|---|
| What is your name? | Pós sé lene? |
| My name is ... | Me léne ... |
| How are you? | Pós eíste? (formal) Pós eísai? (informal). |
| I am very well. | Eímai polý kalá. |
| Goodbye | Antío sas. |
| Bye | Antío |
These are just a few basic phrases to familiarise you with the phonetic aspect of the language. if you have enjoyed this brief guide on how and where to learn Greek, make sure you read our accompanying articles which include more content about the wonders of Greek civilisation and the Greek language.
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