Modern Greek Learning Journey

Strategy: Type in Greek

Typing in Greek has really helped to improve my Greek language skills. When I type or write in Greek, I have to focus on how the word is spelled, particularly what vowels are used, and where the accent has to go. In order to achieve this benefit, I think it is important to type using Greek letters rather than using “Greeklish”.

Learning the keyboard layout takes a little practice, but is achievable. Most of the Greek letters are found in the same place on the English keyboard as the letter with the similar sound. For example: Φφ is the “f” key. The placement of Ξ, Ψ and Ω takes some practice to remember, but for me, the most difficult to remember is the “θ” – I’ve lost track of the number of times that I accidentally typed “θ” in the middle of a word when a “υ” was required!

Need help with the Greek keyboard layout or need instructions for how to change your keyboard? Keep reading.

The table below has the English (US) keyboard layout with the corresponding Greek letters. Note: the symbol that corresponds with the Q is the Greek question mark. When using the English keyboard semicolon key to get an accent, you’ll have to experiment as to whether you should press the semicolon key before or after the vowel requiring the accent. I have one platform in which I have to press the semicolon before the vowel (edited to clarify: press and release the semicolon key and then type the vowel) and other in which I have to type the semicolon after the vowel in order to get the accent.

Q
;		W
ς		Ε
Εε		R
Ρρ		T
Ττ		Y
Υυ		U
Θθ		I
Ιι		O
Οο		P
Ππ
A
Αα		S
Σσ		D
Δδ		F
Φφ		G
Γγ		H
Ηη		J
Ξξ		K
Κκ		L
Λλ		;
τόνος
Z
Ζζ		X
Χχ		C
Ψψ		V
Ωω		B
Ββ		N
Νν		M
Μμ

Below, you can find external links for instructions for how to add a language to your keyboard or change your keyboard language in a variety of different systems. If your system is not included in this list, try the internet search terms “add a keyboard language” and the kind of device you are using.

Need to learn the Greek alphabet? Here are a few resources I’ve found.

Do you know how to write using the Greek alphabet?

Liz

, ,
, , ,

3 responses to “Strategy: Type in Greek”

  1. Writing in Greek is the one area that I have neglected in my Greek language learning journey. I’ve done a little bit, I have the Greek keyboard on my windows PC, but I’ve never made a sustained effort with it. You have inspired me to get serious about it. I’ve been typing in Greek everyday for a couple of weeks now and I agree 100%, it is very valuable. Like you say, it forces us to focus on every word.
    The two hardest things about learning a language are speaking and writing, in my opinion. That makes sense because they are both active disciplines. The two passive disciplines are reading and listening. I know several people who can fluently understand Greek, but they still don’t speak it at all. Usually these are people who have a Greek spouse. So, it’s possible to achieve a very high level in listening comprehension without being able to respond in Greek. I love speaking Greek and have worked hard in that area, since day one. Writing is slow going at first, just like speaking was when I first started, but the rewards make it worth the effort.
    Here are two tips that will save you time. I have a word doc with this information. Feel free to copy and paste it into your own document.
    The fastest way to toggle between languages on a Windows PC, is to press the Windows Key + Spacebar.
    To get the accent mark into your word, hold down the colon/semi-colon key (next to the L) and then type your vowel. You have to type the vowel quickly after you press the semi-colon key or else you will have a line of semi-colons running across the page. I’ve done that many times. It works well once you get the hang of it.
    Memrise is a great learning app, that has you type in the answers as well as choosing the right answer. It incorporates reading, listening and writing. It’s one of the best vocabulary building tools I’ve found. It is also very highly rated.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment