“Why should I learn Greek?”
If you’re asking this question to yourself right now, let me make this easier for you.
Why shouldn’t you learn Greek? I mean, you’ve got nothing to lose, right?
In this blog post, we’ll demonstrate all the important reasons why you should start learning Greek today.
Table of Contents
- The Benefits of Learning a New Language
- Greece, Greeks & Greek
- Reasons for Learning Greek
- Is Greek Easy to Learn?
- How to Learn Greek
- Conclusion
1. The Benefits of Learning a New Language
There are many reasons to learn a new language, but one of the most important reasons is that this process changes your way of thinking. In addition, learning a new language and getting in touch with different cultures can reveal new pathways to you that are out of reach right now.
Indeed, there are many things that you cannot achieve unless you speak the local language. For example, good luck working, doing business, or even living in Greece without at least a rudimentary knowledge of Greek!
Here are some of the most important benefits you can expect from learning a new language:
- Connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds
Language is the core of effective communication, and learning a new language can get you in touch with new people and ideas. This exchange of opinions can only be viewed as beneficial, as it enhances your way of thinking and even contributes to the creation of a better version of yourself.
- Advancing your career
Globalization has brought all of us a little closer, especially in the business world. What if your next big step in your career lies in a foreign country? Would you miss the opportunity? Working in a foreign country is a unique and life-changing experience, which may lead to a better work-life balance and even more success.
- Improving your memory
Some people play bingo. Others solve riddles, crosswords, or Sudoku puzzles. And others decide to start learning a new language. Keeping our memory sharp should be one of our top priorities throughout our lives. Regardless of your age or academic background, you should consider learning a new language to tease your brain.
2. Greece, Greeks & Greek
Oh, sunny Greece…
What can I say?
We could really talk for hours about Greece’s beauty.
If you’re still not sure why you should learn Greek of all languages, consider this:
If you’re looking for impressive history, rich culture, and some of the most picturesque islands of the Mediterranean, then this is the place to be. Not to mention the stunning sandy beaches and the iconic minimal architecture…
Greece has it all and much more. Visit Athens for a unique journey through ancient Greek culture, dive deep into the crystal-clear, blue waters of the Aegean Sea, and then enjoy a cocktail on a nearby island.
However, it’s not all about sightseeing. It’s also about the people. And Greeks will not let you down!
They can literally become your new best friends in the blink of an eye, seeing as they’re very hospitable and highly communicative. And who knows? Maybe you’ll feel the urge to visit your new friends again…and again.
Greek is the official language of Greece, and learning Greek will certainly get you a bit closer to the country’s culture.
The Greek language is now mainly spoken in Greece as well as in Cyprus. The ancient Greeks settled on Cyprus around 1600 B.C., and that’s why they speak Greek. However, Cypriot Greek is slightly different from the Greek spoken in Greece; this is because Cypriot Greek is a dialect with a distinct pronunciation.
There are around 20 million speakers of Greek in the world, of which 14 million are native.
3. Reasons for Learning Greek
Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits of learning Greek:
- To know Greek is to know one of the oldest and most useful languages in the world.
- By learning Greek, one can get a deeper understanding of European history and culture.
- The Greek alphabet is the base of the Roman alphabet.
- Knowing Greek will help one learn other European languages, such as French or English, more easily. An estimated twelve percent of the English vocabulary has Greek origins.
- One will gain an understanding of and an appreciation for Greece’s myths, history, and culture—the culture and traditions of Greece have been part of the Western Civilization for over 2500 years. Learning the language will allow one to explore (and someday pass down) this knowledge to the next generation.
- To do business or find a job in Greece, at least some understanding of the language is required.
- Knowing Greek will make traveling and getting around easier, and it will help you get the most out of your vacation in Greece.
- Learning Greek will help you get in touch with ancient Greek philosophy and theatre as well as modern Greek cinematography and literature.
- Greek cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, making Greece a worldwide foodies’ paradise. After learning Greek, you’ll be able to recognize and order exactly what you prefer in a local Greek taverna.
- Last but not least, the knowledge of Greek will help you connect and create meaningful relationships with your Greek friends and family.
4. Is Greek Easy to Learn?
Still wondering why to learn Greek?
Believe it or not, Greek is relatively easy to learn. Although it’s not a Romance language, it showcases phonological features similar to those of English and many other European languages. Therefore, if you listen to someone speaking Greek, you’ll probably recognize many familiar syllables—and even entire words.
This is mainly due to two major reasons:
- Many English words have been integrated into the Greek language. These words often include technology-related terminology, such as: λάπτοπ (láptop) – “laptop” / ίντερνετ (ínternet) – “internet.”
- The reverse is also true: Many Greek words have been integrated into the English language. These words are usually related to medical, political, and scientific terminology, such as: αστρονομία (astronomía) – “astronomy” / δημοκρατία (dimokratía) – “democracy” / μαθηματικά (mathimatiká) – “mathematics.”
Another thing that makes Greek easy to learn is its simple word order, which follows the SVO (Subject – Verb – Object) pattern. As a result, even a total beginner can create complete sentences in Greek from day one.
On the other hand, Greek grammar is notoriously difficult, especially when it comes to the inflection of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, articles, and some participles. Nevertheless, there’s nothing you can’t overcome with study and practice.
⇾ If you’re wondering how long it takes to learn Greek, check out our relevant blog post.
5. How to Learn Greek
As if you needed another reason to learn Greek, did you know that getting started is easier than you think? Here are some of the most popular ways to start this language learning journey today:
- Traditional Teaching & Language Learning Centers
This is one of the most common ways to learn a new language. Big language learning centers usually offer a plethora of different language lessons. However—since Greek is not one of the most popular languages—you may find it difficult to find a language learning center offering Greek lessons nearby. Freelance teachers are always another option. Nevertheless, finding an experienced Greek teacher might be a challenge, depending on the country in which you’re residing.
- Non-formal Learning
From joining a local Greek community to watching Greek movies or even Greek-language YouTube videos, there are endless options for non-formal learning. However, in order to benefit from all of these options, a minimum beginner level is required. Therefore, you should probably consider combining them with a language learning program, either offline or online.
- Greek Learning Platforms & Apps
Learning a new language has never been easier. Nowadays, you can start learning a new language right now and master it at your own pace. You can even talk with native Greek teachers, who will answer all your questions and offer valuable feedback. The GreekPod101 app is one of the most popular Greek learning apps worldwide and is here to help you make your language learning dream come true in no time.
6. Conclusion
Learning Greek is not as hard as you might have thought after all, right?
As long as you find ways to incorporate Greek language learning into your everyday routine, you’ll be able to understand Greek in no time.
What’s your favorite way to learn a new language?
Let us know in the comments below!
GreekPod101.com offers you high-quality, practical knowledge about the Greek language and culture. We aim to provide you with everything you need to learn about the Greek language in a fun and interesting way. Stay tuned for more articles like this one, word lists, grammar tips, and even YouTube videos.
Happy learning!
