The Corfiot and all things Greek

The Greek Language

This is difficult for us to comment upon as we had a limited knowledge of the Greek language when we first moved to Corfu as our very frustrated then landlord will testify! (Frustrated on account of his limited English!)

However, we had four years of classes prior to our move. When asked of our ability, we always answer that we don't think we would get lost or starve!

So, I guess that the short answer is, that if you can learn a little Greek before moving to Greece, it will stand you in good stead. Depending upon your contact with English speakers will have a bearing on this. It is very easy to become lazy! I shall say no more!

We would suggest that Greek classes can be fun, particularly if your fellow students are interested in more than 'holiday Greek'. That is not to decry classes specialising in teaching the casual visitor to Greece, but if you can also learn of the culture as well as the language, you will certainly find it rewarding.

I am not going to attempt to teach you Greek. However, if you consider starting to learn Greek, I would urge you to do so. It can be fun. Honest!

I lied! Here's a little taster!
One thing that frightens a lot of people is the alphabet. Don't let it frighten you. Let us give you a little encouragement! Consider the uppercase Alphabet that follows:

ΑΒΓΔΕΖΗΘΙΚΛΜΝΞΟΠΡΣΤΥΦΧΨΩ.

The first thing to notice is that there is only 24 letters as opposed to 26 in the English alphabet

Fifteen of those letters are the same as letters in the English alphabet. Many make similar sounds to those that an English speaker would be familiar with but not all!

For example, the letter 'Ρ' makes a sound like an English 'R'. Oh yes! Some of the familiar looking letters are not where you expect them to be. Eg. 'Ζ' is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet.

It gets even more interesting if you consider the lower case Greek alphabet that follows:

αβγδεζηθικλμνξοπρστυφχψω.

Okay, so not so many letters are identical to those of the English alphabet! To make it more interesting, the lowercase 'σ' (Sigma) There is a second form of this letter, 'ς' which is only used at the end of a word.

I would suggest that the average person could learn both the upper and lowercase Greek alphabets and the sound they make and name of them in two or three hours at the most. Believe me when I say that I am no academic!

Whatever anyone tells you, knowing the alphabet is worthwhile. How would you find your way around a dictionary without that minimum skill?.

Be warned though. One night a week at evening classes will not get you proficient in the language! It will help though. Information on Greek language courses can be obtained from local colleges whose prospectuses are usually available from libraries. Highly recommended! 

The following are just a sample of sources of online information on the Internet about the Greek language.