Greek is considered one of the oldest languages in the world and one of the hardest languages to learn. Yet, many people engage to learn Greek because of its significance in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Law and so forth.
Whatever your reason, whether you’re a traveler, an entrepreneur or a student one thing common question that seemingly popping online and you surely want to be answered-
How fast can you learn Greek? To learn Greek depends on four factors- the learner’s effort, the attitude, the time spent and the amount of focus you dedicate into it.
Learning the Greek language is like learning Mathematics, they look somewhat tough and there are many rules in Grammar structure that needs to be remembered. The language appears easy to read, but the confusing grammar and syntax are not quite friendly.
Apart from that, you require to use the proper letters as the tone can be similar for different letters and the vocabulary is also confusing. In that case, to learn Greek it takes not a day or a week to be fluent, but it takes dedication, motivation, focus, and commitment. Why am I saying this? Because the time span of learning Greek depends on the time and effort you put in, however, the award is gratifying.
Research from the US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) indicates that if a learner put 10 hours a day the primary fluency in a simple language take 48 days and for tough languages take 72 days that corresponds 2-3 months. If 5 hours a day it will equate doubled.
Based on the research findings, it simply showed that learning an easy language and a hard language, both require time and commitment to be successful in the field.
This great video helps you to get started:
If you’re struggling to learn a second language and you believe that it’s impossible to become bilingual be ready to take some notes as these tips from an expert will surely help you on your journey.
10 Great Tips to be Successful in Learning Modern Greek
- Know your Reason
Know your reason means-know your motivation. What is your motivation to learn a language? If you have a good reason to learn this language definitely it motivates you every day for a long run. Trying to impress English speakers with your Greek is not a good basis, but, wanting to be acquainted with a Greek person in their native language is something a great motivation.
- Have fun while learning
Find some ways to exercise your new language-record your voice, make a conversation with a friend, or create a piece of poetry as there’s a saying that goes “Perfect practice makes perfect.” Learn to practice and have fun.
- Practice a lot
Language is commonly extensive and in a huge various topics, you are going to need a practice and invest time on it. A few people handle to learn languages so fast, most take many months or years. However, if you stick to take patience on learning and invest enough effort you will ultimately get there.
- Get out of your Comfort zone
Accepting mistakes mean you’re ready to take the challenge even at worst. This can be terrifying, but it’s the way to improve your development. You can’t be fluent if you don’t put yourself into action. Often, when you do this you are widening your horizons becomes more comfortable with any situation.
- Give time to listen
Learn to listen and internalize whatever you’ve heard. Each language sounds weird in the beginning, but in the long run you’ll be familiar and used to it easier for you to grasp and speak it correctly.
- Observe others talking
Every language demands different movement of the tongue, and lips. A projection of your voice is very important too. Learn to observe some native speakers how they deliver the words effectively. If you can’t copy their style, watching movies with captions is another way to learn.
- Engage and make it happen
You make a plan, engaged and dive in. It doesn’t matter which tools or learning materials you are using it’s very essential to practice every day and engaged yourself. The most important part of being successful in learning a new language is to practice and make a conversation. Making that happen earlier lead you to stay inspired and motivated.
- Be creative
Short phrases printed on a colourful piece of paper are a great help. You can post it on the refrigerator, on the coffee table or to every corner of your home where you can see it regularly during the day.
When you see words often the better to recall them. Once you’ve got all these phrases gather all the pieces and create many new phrases as you can. Consecutive weeks of doing this definitely it helps you better in your learning. Look at the old phrases you’ve kept and try to review and recall the words to find out how good you are to remember those. If there’s a word you forgotten post it again in your house to where you see it frequently.
- Read children’s book
Find an old fairy tale book written in Greek. If you this your reading comprehension will develop immensely when learning a new language-try to read those stories that are familiar to you so you can easily grasp the story. Children’s books are made for children meaning the words that are written were simple and understandable by young minds. In this strategy you can learn Greeks in simple words not complex. Is it amazing? Yes, it really helps.
- Write and Learn
Compile some sentences using the new words you’ve learned before, for you to remember them well. When you try to recall a particular word, it will be simple for you to remember the word.
Effective Techniques that will help you learn the Greek Language
You might be pondering what the essential way to learn Greek is. There are important aspects that may define the procedure you exerted when learning the language and has a huge impact on what your objectives are. Listed here are some useful steps that will help you:
- Set up your goal
Before anything else, make sure to set up your goal of learning a new language as it plays a great part in designing your study routine. If you are opting to learn the language for educational purposes-you will take a different procedure in depth learning than wanting only to learn phrases and words.
Naturally, it is sensible for your goals to switch. You may resolve to change your techniques in studying a little bit to achieve your new goal.
- Grammar Structure
Though you prefer to become expert and fluent in the Greek language, it is necessary to know the basic grammatical structure and rules of the language. Having the knowledge to conjugate verbs can even aid you to remember some of the basic a bit easier.
- Numerals and basic counting
Each curriculum of every language has an aspect to spend a focus on memorizing the numerals. As this is the prerequisite lesson after learning the sentence structure and this is very significant in learning. You need to be involved with numbers to tell time, monetary payment, and so on.
- Recall and memorize
There are phrases that are very essential on a daily use like greetings, knowing each other and more. A very important step is to internalize and apply these words to the extent of your abilities especially if you are on travel.
The objective in learning a new language is to be steady and stay relaxed, not pressured with the process. When you’re moderate and at ease the next process will be a lot of easier.
Are Online Classes can be Effective?
Online classes can be effective for learners if the software is used as a fundamental means of learning resources. Online classes can be effective if utilized effectively blend with effort and dedication in the process.
The online world is in demand and the technology has greatly risen up shifted people learn and ingress education especially in learning different languages. But, can anyone effectively master a language through online tools?
The massive growth of technology for education offering tools in which individuals learn and access education. Through the extent where languages can be possibly learned in gadgets, mobile applications, and educational software. It has given many people in different areas in the world to ingest foreign language teaching.
One of the significant changes done by technology is the demographic change in language aspirants. Before, learning languages can be accessed only by the elite in the society who have the means to afford the education. But nowadays, people can directly learn the language through online courses and some lessons that are offered free where the less privileged have the opportunity to learn.
Since the extensive development in technology may create chances for many people to ingress education, the big question that almost learners asked about whether it is possible to study a language through online tools.
Internet language software developers agreed that online tools are becoming more successful when used effectively as a foundation of learning resources.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Online courses
Online Classes quickly shifting the whole structure and experience of traditional classes. For many this is a great change, but for some it can be daunting.
It can be very significant to understand what an online course demands, whether it is right for you and how effective if you take the lessons online.
Advantages
- Convenience– you can finish your lessons more quickly than taking in traditional school, it’s about one-third of the time compared in campus.
- Flexible- Online courses are great fit as they give more flexibility. You don’t need to give up you family time or it can’t affect your job.
- Shorter Terms
Traditional classes also offered short semesters, but to attend for 3 months in schooling you can take online lessons for 1-2 months and make a great savings on it.
- Learn at your free time
With online courses you can study anytime and anywhere.
You don’t need to spend long hours in traditional classes, but you can study anytime on the day at your convenience.
You can study while taking your breakfast, take a drill test when preparing dinner.
Research has shown that studying in a shorter time is literally better than long periods of sessions as it enhances focus and authentic understanding.
- Study anywhere
As online courses able you learn virtually anywhere, you can take the convenience of learning to any places either traveling or on vacation.
- No hustle in commuting
Online classes can save time. You just need to log on and don’t worry to come late for class or lead you to an uncontrollable situation. You have the power to choose when your preferable schedule is.
- Possibly less cost, but high quality
The main reason why most learners choose an online course is to save money.
Almost all students are looking at minimal cost, but not affecting the quality of the courses offered. It is much lower in expenses than attaining traditional classes.
Disadvantages
- No personal interaction
Online lesson is obviously done virtually no personal reaction involved. In this case no rapport happening between the student and the professor.
Additionally, no engagement happened in a conversational way that can boost learning experience.
- Inaccessible lessons without the net
Online classes can’t be accessible if there’s a power interruption. You can’t learn your lesson as scheduled if you have no internet and no electrical power on your vicinity.
- More responsibilities
You will rely on your own strength. Nobody is going to attend your lesson scheduled on your dashboard. Meaning, if you don’t log in or do the assigned test you can’t possibly move forward on your lessons. Time management is the key.
- Demand self-dedication
The nature of online learning is to focus on your lessons directly to your goal and be motivated always. Means stay focused.
You should know how to handle setbacks and know your goal.
If you are new in this field, adjusting to this kind of learning really can be intimidating. However, if you have the best support and guidance from your tutors and friends, and you have the best reason why you need to take this challenge, definitely it will aid you to be successful in your journey.
Related Questions:
Is there a way to learn to speak Greek fluently?
Yes, there is a way to learn to speak Greek fluently. It’s impossible to speak fluently if you don’t practice. Try to speak as much as possible with native speakers. Surely they will consider your effort to learn and correct your mistakes to aid you.
There are also some ways on how to learn to speak Greek, you can try online courses. With a great online course you will progress quickly, but it’s very crucial to look for a partner to converse with your new language. There’s no better way than to practice it frequently than learning text or using learning materials without applying it conversationally.
What is Cheaper Online Lessons or Traditional Classes?
Online lessons or courses will be cheaper than traditional classes. Traditional schools are inclined of more expenses than online course for a different reason. This involve living costs and the expense of books and other school resources.
For online courses that offering language lessons and more it will cost lesser. As it has no property to rent or buildings to manage while online course you will spend for the personal tutor hourly basis and the resources and software you are using.
Also, the students do not spend a fair on commuting to campus school.
Overall, the important question that students might ask is cheaper better? It depends. There’s no connection the expense of a course than the quality of education. It is very crucial for learners to have some research of the online program they wanted to take.
How fluent Greeks speak English?
Not a lot of Greeks fluently can speak Greek, however, there’s a high percentage of younger generations know English. They started learning English in second grade where it serves as a requirement for them to get a job. In truth, if you don’t have a proficiency certificate it’s impossible for you to get the job you’re applying for.
Most of them aren’t fluent to speak preferably, seemingly they are better in written rather than speaking.
Conclusion:
Therefore, I conclude that learning a particular language has no definite time especially in the Greek language. It depends on how you execute the course and how motivated you are.
Greek is quite hard to learn, not only for English speakers, but for all Latin-oriented speakers. It has a complex grammar and a variety of intonations to learn.
Although it can be difficult, Science revealed that studying a second language at any age enhance mental alertness.
Hence, even if takes you a whole year or many years of thorough learning, it is a rewarding experience to learn to speak one of the classic and most distinct languages in the world.