TEACHING MY DAUGHTERS TO SPEAK GREEK AT HOME
“Over 1,000 times a day I yell at them “Say it again in Greek” - it has become tiring but now I see them speaking Greek and understanding. ”
SPEAKING GREEK AT HOME IS NOT EASY
Are your children learning Greek at home?
Yes, I have 3 daughters. Eight, five and three years old. Even my Greek has become better from the moment I had kids. My wife is half Greek and half Mexican. She speaks Greek fluently but at home it is mostly English.
I say if I do not, my parents live in Canada, if I do not teach them, they will never learn. So at my home I try very hard. Over 1,000 times a day I yell at them "Say it again in Greek" - it has become tiring but now I see them speaking Greek and understanding. The 3rd daughter needs more work...
She is only 2 years old, no problem. She has time.
Only 2 but the 3rd child is always the abandoned one.
---Τα παιδιά σας μαθαίνουν ελληνικά στο σπίτι;
Ναι, έχω 3 κόρες. Οκτώ, πέντε και τριών ετών. Ακόμα και τα ελληνικά μου έγιναν καλύτερα από τη στιγμή που έκανα παιδιά. Η γυναίκα μου είναι μισή Ελληνίδα και μισή Μεξικανή. Μιλάει άπταιστα ελληνικά αλλά στο σπίτι είναι κυρίως αγγλικά.
Λέω αν δεν το κάνω, οι γονείς μου μένουν στον Καναδά, αν δεν τους διδάξω, δεν θα μάθουν ποτέ. Στο σπίτι μου λοιπόν προσπαθώ πολύ σκληρά. Πάνω από 1.000 φορές την ημέρα τους φωνάζω "Πες το ξανά στα ελληνικά" - έχει γίνει κουραστικό αλλά τώρα τους βλέπω να μιλούν ελληνικά και να καταλαβαίνουν. Η 3η κόρη χρειάζεται περισσότερη δουλειά...
Είναι μόλις 2 ετών, κανένα πρόβλημα. Έχει χρόνο.
Μόνο 2 αλλά το 3ο παιδί είναι πάντα το εγκαταλελειμμένο.
Over 1,000 times a day I yell at them "Say it again in Greek" - it has become tiring but now I see them speaking Greek and understanding.
HOW HARD IS IT TO LEARN GREEK AND WHY IS THE GREEK LANGUAGE SO IMPORTANT
The difficulty of learning Greek, like any language, can vary depending on your background, previous language learning experience, and the resources available to you. Greek is considered a moderately difficult language to learn for English speakers, but there are factors that can make it easier or more challenging:
Alphabet: One of the initial challenges in learning Greek is its unique alphabet, which is different from the Latin alphabet used in English. It's essential to learn the Greek letters, their sounds, and how to write and read them.
Grammar: Greek has a complex grammatical structure with noun declensions, verb conjugations, and a different word order compared to English. Understanding these grammar rules can be challenging.
Vocabulary: Expanding your Greek vocabulary can be time-consuming, as you'll need to learn many new words to be proficient.
Pronunciation: Greek pronunciation can be tricky, as there are distinct sounds that may not exist in English. Proper pronunciation is vital for clear communication.
Dialects: There are different Greek dialects, with the two main ones being Modern Greek and Ancient Greek. The difficulty can vary depending on which dialect you choose to learn. Most learners focus on Modern Greek for practical purposes.
As for the importance of the Greek language:
Cultural Significance: Greek is one of the world's oldest living languages with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Learning Greek allows you to connect with ancient philosophy, literature, and mythology.
Religious and Academic Significance: Greek plays a crucial role in religious studies and is necessary for understanding the New Testament in its original language. It's also essential for academic research in various fields, including archaeology and classics.
Global Influence: Greek has contributed many words and concepts to various languages, including English, through its influence on science, mathematics, and philosophy. Learning Greek can deepen your understanding of these concepts.
Travel and Communication: If you plan to visit Greece or Cyprus, knowing Greek can enhance your travel experience and facilitate communication with locals.
Personal Enrichment: Learning any new language broadens your horizons and provides you with a new perspective on the world. It can be personally enriching and intellectually stimulating.
In summary, while learning Greek can be challenging due to its unique alphabet and grammar, its importance lies in its cultural, historical, religious, and academic significance. Whether you want to explore ancient texts, travel, or gain a deeper understanding of human history, learning Greek can be a rewarding endeavor.
