Modern Greek Learning Journey

10 Ways to Learn Modern Greek

They say variety is the spice of life! Spice up your learning with these resources!

Which method should you use? I think it is important to try a variety of methods and then stick with the ones that work for you. Think about your goals and tailor your studying to those. For example, preparing for a language exam likely will use different methods than learning how to have a conversation.

I’ve tried all the methods listed below. Some I like more than others. Some I use regularly (listening to podcasts, reading, watching movies, participating in groups) and others I use sparingly (writing out verb conjugations). I aspire to keeping a journal in Greek, but haven’t done it for more than a few days at a time.

Just a note: none of the suggestions below have been sponsored.

  1.  Listen to a podcast – Try the quirky and relatable Six Thousand Islands podcast. Another is the Easy Greek podcast with over 100 interesting episodes. Click here for other suggestions.
  2. Read something – If you get a chance to go to Greece, stop in a bookstore and buy some books! If you are a beginner, knowing the story line in English can be a huge help. Here are some online reading suggestions.
  3. Use a workbook / textbook – For Greek language exam prep as well as general language learning try <<Ελληνικά Α>> and <<Ελληνικά Β>>  from Εκδόσεις Πατάκη. The books have a balanced focus on the four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening.. Another book, “Greek Today” by Peter Bien has excellent grammar explanations and plenty of exercises. Because the “Greek Today” book can be hard to find, try searching for it using its ISBN 1584650338. The accompanying workbook is also excellent.
  4. Join a conversation group – Such a low stress way to practice speaking!  Being grouped with same level learners really reduces any pressure. There are a variety of organizations that have conversation groups – both in person and remotely.
  5. Use Rosetta Stone – This program is a great starting point.  For maximum benefit, get the live group coaching. The live group coaching is an excellent way to get conversation practice.
  6. Watch a movie or series – Disney+ has movies with Greek dubbing and subtitles. “Maestro in Blue” on Netflix is a compelling drama that can be watched in Greek. Ertflix has both movies and series in Greek.
  7. Use flash cards – Try this method: Make your flash cards the old fashioned way by writing on note cards. The writing of the cards is part of the memorization process. Start studying with only five cards. When that content is solid in your memory, add a card or two. Continue adding a card or two to the desk every time you feel like the learning is set.
  8. Write out verb conjugations – A great way to see patterns in verbs and between verb types.
  9. Watch videos on YouTube – So much great content! Check out the link for suggestions.
  10. Keep a journal in Greek – If you like writing, this technique is for you.  Don’t know how to write sentences yet? Write some words you know or copy sentences you find from books or podcasts, etc.

For more ideas, see: 10 More Ways to Learn Modern Greek

What’s your favorite way to learn Modern Greek?


One response to “10 Ways to Learn Modern Greek”

  1. When I first started learning Greek I followed the advice of Benny Lewis, a language teacher with a great story about how he started his language journey. His advice “start speaking from day one”. I started having conversations with native Greek speakers via Skype when I could barely say please and thank you in Greek. There are numerous language exchange sites that connect people with other language learners all over the world. Google “language exchange sites”. The native Greek speakers I’ve met want to improve their English and I want to learn Greek. It’s fun, you learn about Greek culture and most of all you learn to speak Greek. A person could study Greek for years and not even be able to have a conversation if they haven’t taken the plunge and started speaking the language. I embrace mistakes and laugh the hardest when I say something wrong, which is all the time. I travel to Greece often and the Greek people are always amazed when I can hold a conversation. I’m not fluent at all, but I can communicate in Greek and that’s my goal. Start speaking today, you’ll be glad that you did. I met Liz at a live tutoring conversation session on Rosetta Stone, that’s a great place to start.
    From,
    Dave
    Tacoma WA
    USA

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