GREEK SCHOOL WAS TORTURE AS A KID GROWING UP IN CANADA
“WE TOOK IT FOR GRANTED, PLAYING GAMES, NOT LISTENING, AND HAVING FUN.”
immigrant parents forced the greek culture and language upon us.
Q: Growing up in Canada, was there Greek school?
A: Of course. Once a week we went. We would mostly play games and sports, not so much to learn. Now that I am older, I appreciate how they pushed us to learn and outside of only the language it's significant to learn our ethnic dances, what it means to be Greek. The same for Tony growing up in Boston. Wherever we were, our parents and that generation did an amazing job because they didn't know otherwise. It was easy for them to do this. The hard work is for my generation, where the culture erases slowly, broken Greek and so on. Now is the hard work to maintain. Your generation that says you do not speak proper Greek, I actually believe you speak very proper Greek.
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ΕΡ.: Μεγαλώνοντας στον Καναδά, υπήρχε ελληνικό σχολείο;
Α: Φυσικά. Μια φορά την εβδομάδα πηγαίναμε. Θα παίζαμε κυρίως παιχνίδια και αθλήματα, όχι τόσο πολλά για να μάθουμε. Τώρα που μεγάλωσα, εκτιμώ πώς μας ώθησαν να μάθουμε και εκτός μόνο της γλώσσας είναι σημαντικό να μάθουμε τους έθνικ χορούς μας, τι σημαίνει να είσαι Έλληνας. Το ίδιο και για τον Τόνι που μεγαλώνει στη Βοστώνη. Όπου κι αν ήμασταν, οι γονείς μας και εκείνη η γενιά έκαναν καταπληκτική δουλειά γιατί δεν ήξεραν διαφορετικά. Ήταν εύκολο για αυτούς να το κάνουν αυτό. Η σκληρή δουλειά είναι για τη γενιά μου, όπου η κουλτούρα σβήνει σιγά σιγά, σπασμένα ελληνικά κ.ο.κ. Τώρα είναι η σκληρή δουλειά να διατηρηθεί. Η γενιά σας που λέει ότι δεν μιλάτε σωστά ελληνικά, στην πραγματικότητα πιστεύω ότι μιλάτε πολύ σωστά ελληνικά.
On the TV Show, Greece in our Hearts with TV host, Babis Petrakis.
lEARNING THE gREEK lANGUAGE oUTSIDE OF gREECE.
Learning the Greek language outside of Greece is definitely possible and there are various resources and strategies you can use to achieve proficiency. Here are some tips to help you learn Greek while outside of Greece:
Online Courses and Apps:
Language Learning Apps:
Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise, which offer Greek language courses. These apps often incorporate interactive exercises, quizzes, and games to make learning engaging.
Online Platforms:
Explore online language learning platforms such as Rosetta Stone or Lingodeer, which provide comprehensive courses in Greek.
Online Classes and Tutors:
Online Courses:
Enroll in online language courses offered by universities or language institutions. Websites like Coursera or edX often have Greek language courses.
Private Tutors:
Hire a private Greek tutor who can provide personalized lessons through video conferencing platforms like Skype or Zoom.
Language Exchange:
Language Exchange Platforms:
Use language exchange websites or apps like Tandem or HelloTalk to connect with native Greek speakers who are learning your language. This allows for language practice through conversation.
Meetup Groups:
Join local or online language exchange meetups where you can meet Greek speakers interested in language exchange. This provides an opportunity for face-to-face or virtual practice.
Self-Study Resources:
Textbooks and Workbooks:
Invest in Greek language textbooks and workbooks designed for self-study. Look for resources with audio components to practice listening and pronunciation.
Online Resources:
Explore websites offering free Greek language resources, including grammar guides, vocabulary lists, and pronunciation guides.
Cultural Immersion:
Watch Greek Movies and TV Shows:
Watch Greek movies, TV shows, or documentaries to improve your listening skills and get a feel for the culture. Try using subtitles initially if needed.
Listen to Greek Music:
Listen to Greek music to familiarize yourself with the language's rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation. Look up the lyrics and translations to understand the meaning.
Practice Speaking:
Language Exchange Meetups:
Attend local language exchange meetups if available in your area. This provides an opportunity to practice speaking Greek with native speakers.
Online Language Communities:
Join online communities or forums where learners and native speakers interact. This allows you to ask questions, seek advice, and engage in conversations.
Visit Greek Communities:
Attend Greek Events:
Attend local Greek cultural events, festivals, or gatherings to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Networking with Greek speakers can enhance your learning experience.
Greek Churches and Organizations:
Check if there are Greek churches, cultural organizations, or community centers in your area. They may offer Greek language classes or events.
Remember that consistency and regular practice are key to language learning success. Combining various resources and strategies will help you develop a well-rounded skill set in the Greek language, even if you are learning outside of Greece.
WHY IS THE GREEK lANGUAGE IMPORTANT, HISTORICALLY?
The Greek language holds immense historical importance for several reasons, especially in the context of Western civilization and culture. Here are some key historical reasons why the Greek language is considered crucial:
1. Ancient Greek Civilization:
Philosophy and Literature: Ancient Greece is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization. Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, laid the groundwork for Western philosophy. Many of their works were written in Greek.
Literary Epics: The two great epic poems, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," attributed to Homer, are foundational works of Western literature and were composed in Ancient Greek.
2. Classical Period:
Drama and Theater: The works of playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, who wrote tragedies and comedies in Ancient Greek, significantly influenced the development of Western theater.
3. Scientific and Mathematical Contributions:
Mathematics and Geometry: Ancient Greeks, including mathematicians like Euclid and Pythagoras, made foundational contributions to geometry and mathematics. The works of these scholars were written in Greek.
Scientific Terminology: Greek was the language used for scientific texts in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and physics, with notable figures like Hippocrates and Ptolemy contributing to the development of scientific knowledge.
4. Hellenistic Period:
Spread of Greek Culture: After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Hellenistic culture, including the Greek language, spread across a vast empire. This had a profound impact on the regions that came under Greek influence.
5. New Testament and Early Christianity:
Religious Texts: The New Testament of the Bible was originally written in Greek, and the language played a crucial role in the early development and spread of Christianity.
6. Byzantine Empire:
Continuation of Greek Influence: The Byzantine Empire, which succeeded the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean, maintained Greek as its primary language. The preservation of Greek culture, language, and literature continued during this period.
7. Renaissance and Humanism:
Revival of Classical Learning: During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the classical texts of Ancient Greece. Scholars and humanists studied Greek works, leading to a revival of classical learning and influencing the intellectual and cultural movements of the time.
8. Modern Greek Language and National Identity:
Language of Modern Greece: The Greek language has continued to evolve and is spoken as the official language of modern Greece. It is an essential component of Greek national identity and cultural heritage.
9. Contribution to International Vocabulary:
Word Roots and Terminology: Greek has contributed numerous words, prefixes, and suffixes to international vocabulary, particularly in scientific, medical, and technical fields. Understanding Greek roots enhances knowledge of various disciplines.
In summary, the Greek language has played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual, cultural, and scientific foundations of Western civilization. Its historical significance extends from the classical era to the present day, influencing literature, philosophy, science, and religious thought. The legacy of the Greek language continues to be felt in various aspects of human knowledge and cultural expression.
