Modern Greek Learning Journey

Το Kαπέλο Mου – My Hat

September 29th, 2023

Knowing even just a few words in Greek can open up interesting conversations and experiences while traveling in Greece!

A few months before my first trip to Greece, I decided that I wanted to learn a few words in the language such as “hello”, “please”, “thank you”, and the like. So I went out and bought Rosetta Stone Greek – on a CD! Yep, went to a store and purchased a CD. Weird right? Not so weird then – the online app didn’t exist yet. But, I digress.

With the program, I learned the words for “man”, “woman”, “boy” and “girl”. It later moved onto important words like “coffee” and “toilet”. One phrase I remember learning early on was “το καπέλο μου” (my hat). At the time, I wondered about the value of that particular phrase..

That phrase ended up proving its worth in Piraeus!
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Enjoy the learning process!

September 27th, 2023

I recently saw a conversation thread online in which someone asked how they could get to the B2 level of Greek in 9 months. There were lots of responses. Some of these responses were people saying that they themselves had achieved the same progress and more.

My first thought on seeing the original question was, “Wow! B2 in 9 months – that’s impressive!” The next thought started like this, “Hmm, I’m not even close to that level and it’s taken….”

Wait a second… I’m learning Greek because it makes me happy! I have goals for my learning, but the timeline is not so important to me. While I’m super impressed that there are people who can learn so quickly, that’s their journey and not mine.

If you’ve had a similar experience, I highly recommend watching the video “A message for all language learners” by Γιούλη of the YouTube channel Linguatree.

She quite eloquently addresses the issue of comparing your own learning to that of someone else. It’s a message that’s worth listening to. In fact, even if you haven’t had a similar experience, I think it is worth the seven minute watch.

While you are on the Linguatree channel, take the time and watch her other videos – they are an amazing resource!
Τζατζίκι

September 25th, 2023

Let me just say that I think tζατζίκι είναι πεντανόστιμο! (tzatziki is really delicious). Every time I have the chance to eat Greek food, I make sure to order something that includes this tasty sauce. Finally, I decided I needed to learn how to make tzatziki rather than waiting to go to a Greek restaurant. Making tzatziki was also a great opportunity to practice Greek by using a recipe written in the language.

Here’s how it went:
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The Best Speaking Advice

September 22nd, 2023

Speaking a language that you are learning can be intimidating, especially if you have limited vocabulary in that language.

Before studying Greek, I spent some time learning Spanish. At the time, I decided that I’d only speak Spanish with the Spanish teacher at the school where I worked.

One day, I wanted to tell her something but I didn’t have the vocabulary for it, so I told her in Spanish that I didn’t know the words that I needed. What she said next entirely changed my outlook on how to speak in a new language. I continue to rely on that advice for speaking Greek.

Here’s the best language speaking advice I ever got:
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Strategy: Type in Greek

September 21st, 2023

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.
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Book Club Leads to Travel Destination- Spinalonga Island

September 18th, 2023

Το νησί της Σπιναλόγκας. Η Σπιναλόγκα ήταν <<Το νησι των λεπρών>> από 1903 μέχρι 1957 (Φεσσά, para 6). Το νησί βρίσκεται κοντά στην Ελούντα, Κρήτη. Πήγα στν Σπιναλόγκα τον Απρίλιο 2023 .

Before my book group read <<Το Νησί της Μαρίας>> (“Maria’s Island” by Victoria Hislop), I knew nothing of the history of Spinalonga or “the island of the lepers”.

Located just off the coast of Crete, Spinalonga was home to hundreds of lepers from 1903 to 1957 (Φεσσά, para. 6).

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If I Did It, You Can Too! – The Greek Language Exam

September 15th, 2023

Need extra motivation to study? Do you want a direction for the material that you are covering? Try preparing for the Greek Language Exam! The preparation can help round out your learning by focusing equally on reading, writing, speaking and listening. Even if you don’t take the test, the preparation gives a solid, well-rounded foundation in the language.

Good luck if you decide to take the test! I hope you find the following resources useful. I used them to prepare for my A2 exam and I plan to use them again to be ready for the B1 exam in May 2024. Summer is over and it is time to kick the learning into high gear!
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Strategy: Greek Word Games

September 13th, 2023

I love playing word games in English and frequently play the popular word game Wordle. Thinking that it would be fun to try the game in Greek, I came across two different options based on the original game. One of these is ΛΕΧΛΗ and the other is ΛΕΧΟΥΛΑ.

Having a limited Greek vocabulary, I needed a different strategy than I use when playing in English. My strategy has yielded a 73% win rate for 293 games on ΛΕΧΛΗ and a 79% win rate for 213 games on ΛΕΧΟΥΛΑ.

Even if I don’t win, I feel like I’ve won because in playing the game I learn a lot about spelling in Greek and am introduced to new words. Want to try my strategy? Keep reading. If you want to build your own strategy, stop reading now.
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I Spoke Greek ….at a Mexican Restaurant?!

September 11th, 2023

Flashback to last year’s summer vacation. The Mexican restaurant was close by and had good reviews, so my family and I decided to stop in for dinner. As we entered the restaurant, the host greeted us in Spanish. I know some rudimentary Spanish and this is how the conversation went:
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10 More Ways to Learn Greek

September 8th, 2023

There are so many ways to learn a language, but learning as a social experience is one of my favorites! My top three from this list? Get a tutor, join a book group and visit Greece!

If you don’t have access to learning in a social setting, try writing practice dialogues or thinking in Greek (numbers 3 and 4 in the list). Create your own social experience in your mind!
Continue Reading – 10 More Ways to Learn Greek