Tag: adult language learning

Step by Step – A little philosophy

August 6th, 2026

In the book «Η Μόμο» by Michael Ende, the main character Momo is friends with a street sweeper. The street sweeper doesn’t talk a lot, but when he does it is with a very philosophical tone.

He says

Ξέρεις, Μόμο…τα πράγματα είναι έτσι: έχεις καμιά φορά μπροστά σου έναν πολύ μεγάλο δρόμο. Σκέφτεσαι τι μακρύς που είναι, σκέφτεσαι πως ποτέ σου δε θα τα καταφέρεις.

Later, he adds

Δεν κάνει να σκέφτεσαι ολόκληρο τον δρόμο, κατάλαβες; Πρέπει να σκέφτεσαι μονάχα το επόμενο βήμα, την επόμενη ανάσα, την επόμενη σκουπισιά.

Finally,

Και ξαφνικά βλέπεις πως βήμα βήμα έχεις σκουπίσει ολόκληρο τον δρόμο.

Read More: Step by Step
A Change in Routine?

November 9th, 2023

I’ve been debating about quitting one part of my language learning routine. My current routine is quite stable with things that I do daily (reading, listening and apps), things I do several times a week (workbook exercises and writing) and things I do weekly (a variety of online Greek learning groups). But … I’m not sure if one activity is working for me anymore.

I’ve had no hesitation stopping other parts of my learning process in the past. I mean, Peppa the Pig videos in Greek were a huge help to me as an early beginner, but there’s other Greek language content that I’d rather watch now.

So what’s the problem with stopping this particular activity?
Continue Reading – A Change in Routine
There is No Failure in Language Learning

October 27th, 2023

I recently saw a video clip of a post-season interview with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks basketball player. The clip starts with someone asking whether Antetokounmpo viewed the season as a failure. His response was so profound. Honestly- I’ve watched the clip at least 10 times. As a response, Antetokounmpo says “there is no failure in sports” but rather “steps to success.” He talks about having good days and bad days and working towards a goal.

I think we can extend the sentiment and say,

There is no failure in language learning.
Continue Reading: There is No Failure
A Great Combo!

October 11th, 2023

I just discovered that two of my favorite Greek Language content creators have joined forces to make a podcast together! Woo hoo!

Κοσμική Βυσσινάδα is the creation of Yiuli (Linguatree) and Daria (Six Thousand Islands). So far, the four released episodes seem to be a great fit for an intermediate learner – both in the speed of their speaking and in the vocabulary used.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the first episode of their new podcast where Yiuli and Daria discuss talent. After sharing their own talents, they continue with a discussion of talent and the things that are hidden behind talent, such as hard work or a person’s environment.
Continue Reading – A Great Combo!
Ode to a Dictionary

October 6th, 2023

My copy of the Oxford Greek-English Learner’s Dictionary by D N Stavropoulos is hands down one of the most used and most useful resources that I own!

In fact, I’ve used this dictionary so often that I had to repair the spine and all of the corners with packing tape.

Why do I like this resource so much? Its almost 1,000 pages of definitions capture subtleties of word meanings that make translating a word a rich and nuanced process.

Let’s take a look at the word <<πέφτω>> as an example.
Continue Reading – Ode to a Dictionary
So Many Resources, So Little Time

October 4th, 2023

Recently, in a Greek Language group that I attended, someone asked of the group “How do you spend your time when learning Greek?” I love when people ask this question, as it often leads to resources being shared and discussed. Beyond resources, this person was inquiring as to how people organize their learning time.

With so many resources available – podcasts, YouTube videos, workbooks, apps, conversation groups, lesson groups, and more – how you organize your learning time is an important question to consider.

While thinking about the question, I realized there are some larger principles that guide my learning process. If you are unsure of how to spend your time, maybe these principles will help you decide.
Continue Reading – So Many Resources..
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!
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:
Continue Reading – The Best Speaking Advice
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.
Continue Reading – Strategy: Greek Word Games