Today, I thought it mind be fun to explore the language of Greece. It had been my intention to learn some before we embarked on our two-week Greek Odyssey in 2013.
Sadly, this old brain refused to cooperate, particularly since the Greek alphabet is completely different. No wonder when people don’t understand something they say:
‘It’s all Greek to me!’
Fortunately, most people do speak English there, as it is taught in schools, along with other languages.
The Greek alphabet has been used to write the Greek language since the 8th century BC. It was derived from the earlier Phoenician alphabet and was, in turn, the ancestor of numerous other European and Middle Eastern scripts, including Cyrillic and Latin.
Apart from its use in writing the Greek language, both in its ancient and its modern forms, the Greek alphabet today also serves as a source of technical symbols in many domains of mathematics, science and other fields. – Wikipedia
Some key phrases:
καλημέρα
Kalimera: Good Morning/Day/Afternoon
καλησπέρα
Kalispera: Good Evening
καληνύχτα
Kalinychta: Good Night
γεια μας
Yiamas: To Your Health – a drinking toast.
γειά σου / γειά σας
Yassou / Yassas: Hello or goodbye singular & familiar / plural & formal (Many languages have two styles. The familiar for friends and relatives and the formal for strangers)
Apologies to all, but I’m struggling to fit blogging into my life at present. Since I am unable to do it justice and respond to your lovely comments, visit and read etc., I’m going to put it on hold, for now.
It may be for a few weeks or a few months, but I know I’ll miss it and want to come back. Until then, thank you so much for your support! 💖 Automated sharing for this and other blogs will continue via Revive Old Post and dlvrit.com.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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I’m undecided as to whether or not I like the Greek language. I’ll have to listen to it more but I have this thing about languages that sound like they’re hocking up a lung… Sorry in advance, like the German language. It’s just so cutting and abrupt if that makes sense. – I see you’ve stepped away from blogging and I just came back determined to make a comeback! I’m seriously teetering on the edge of shutting it down for good. We’ll see. It’s nice that we can still stay in touch via other social platforms. 🙂
Hahaha! German is definitely guttural, but Greek doesn’t sound as bad. French, Italian and Spanish are like music to the ears. ? Welcome back to the Blogosphere, Karen! ? I stopped by your new post and left a comment. As for me, I’m still undecided about whether or not to continue. Glad to have those other platforms. Thanks for coming by! ?♀️
Debbie,
What a fun post! I would love to learn a new language if my hearing was better. This puts me at a disadvantage and it makes me self-conscience. I wish I had more interest to learn while I was younger and could hear better. It would’ve still been a struggle I’m sure but I think I would’ve gotten it.
I understand your need to put blog life on hold. It does take up a lot of time and it can interfere with more important priorities. Not to worry those of us who are here will have our arms open wide when you return. Enjoy time away from Blogosphere but know you’ll be missed, my love! xx
I wonder if the Greek children and adults who learn English, find it really hard like we find their language? I wonder why we, in North America, are one of the few who are not taught a language to sucha degree that most in the country can speak and understand it. We might learn the French language, which is better than the States, unless they must take Spanish, but we still, frmthe most part suck at speaking it or understanding it. Maybe the younger kids are better but I know I suck at French.
It’s an interesting language. When my daughter was growing up she had a friend whose family was Greek. They were quite immersed in Greek culture so the young lady knew Greek and could write it.
I’m in awe of people who can learn Greek! I don’t believe I would be able to do it at all. I also think it’s fascinating when our pastors teach and incorporate Greek word translations from the Bible. It really puts things context.
Hi Debbie – I hope things ease up for you … I remember being in Rhodes in the 1960s and all the buses had Greek writing on them … so we never knew where we were going … stay safe – Hilary
I recently discovered that my pronunciation of the Greek alphabet that I had to learn when I pledged a sorority in college is all wrong. Ah, well. I too have had my blog on hiatus. I have the time; I have not the desire. Hope to see you back here soon. All the best.
Not only was the language and signage “all Greek to me”, but I found the Greeks the least likely to speak any English. I’m not complaining; it’s as much my responsibility to learn their language, but too difficult for our short sojourn. Lovely places to visit, though!
Interesting Sammy, because I found that most Greeks DO speak English. Mind you, we hit all the tourist “hot spots” and didn’t have time to wander far afield. The signage was another story, but we weren’t driving so it didn’t matter. It is a difficult language to learn and I did try. Gave up fairly quickly though. LOL
Yasou. Efharisto. We celebrated our 40th birthdays in Greece. Learning a new language opens your mind to different ways of thinking…like the concept of ‘hygge’ in Danish – Yassas… I wonder how to say see ya later in Greece 🙂
Thanks for the Greek lesson, Debbie. I doubt I’ll remember anything but it is interesting to read about.The only language I’ve ever studied extensively is French. I would like to learn some others like Spanish or Italian. Greek looks pretty hard though so much of our English language comes from Greek, doesn’t it?
Hi Cathy; Once you know French, it’s easier to pick up on other Latin languages like Italian and Spanish. Yes, much of the English language does come from Greek, but that alphabet is such a challenge! Harder to learn this stuff when you’re over 50. 😛
Languages, I love languages (good thing, since that’s basically where my rent comes from). I’m trying to learn a new language these days, although I have put the endeavor off until next month because of the challenge. Maidin Mhaith, Debbie. (Irish Gaelic)
“It’s all Greek to me”! Hahaha….A very nice post, Debbie! Your post for K has something to do with my post for L 🙂 Interesting how it goes! I live in southern India and I don’t know Tamil (I am basically from Delhi where Hindi is spoken mostly). And in the last 7 years here in Tamil Nadu I have tried a few times to learn Tamil and have failed miserably. I know just a few words, but the Tamil phrase for “I don’t know Tamil” comes in very handy 🙂 But seriously, I should try harder to learn the language.
Three languages is very good! 🙂 Many people only know one. Greek is one of the most difficult, along with Russian, I think, because of the different alphabet. Thanks for visiting.
Parakaló̱! 🙂 That must have been fantastic birthday celebration, Ida. I agree that learning languages broadens the mind. Gets harder with age though, at least from my experience. See you later = Ta léme argótera
Τα λέμε αργότερα (According to Google). Thanks for visiting.
41 thoughts on “IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME!”
I’m undecided as to whether or not I like the Greek language. I’ll have to listen to it more but I have this thing about languages that sound like they’re hocking up a lung… Sorry in advance, like the German language. It’s just so cutting and abrupt if that makes sense. – I see you’ve stepped away from blogging and I just came back determined to make a comeback! I’m seriously teetering on the edge of shutting it down for good. We’ll see. It’s nice that we can still stay in touch via other social platforms. 🙂
Hahaha! German is definitely guttural, but Greek doesn’t sound as bad. French, Italian and Spanish are like music to the ears. ? Welcome back to the Blogosphere, Karen! ? I stopped by your new post and left a comment. As for me, I’m still undecided about whether or not to continue. Glad to have those other platforms. Thanks for coming by! ?♀️
Debbie,
What a fun post! I would love to learn a new language if my hearing was better. This puts me at a disadvantage and it makes me self-conscience. I wish I had more interest to learn while I was younger and could hear better. It would’ve still been a struggle I’m sure but I think I would’ve gotten it.
I understand your need to put blog life on hold. It does take up a lot of time and it can interfere with more important priorities. Not to worry those of us who are here will have our arms open wide when you return. Enjoy time away from Blogosphere but know you’ll be missed, my love! xx
I am all for your Greek analogy… Fun post, Debbie… Enjoy your time away, as much as you can, and come back to us when it goes well with you.
I wonder if the Greek children and adults who learn English, find it really hard like we find their language? I wonder why we, in North America, are one of the few who are not taught a language to sucha degree that most in the country can speak and understand it. We might learn the French language, which is better than the States, unless they must take Spanish, but we still, frmthe most part suck at speaking it or understanding it. Maybe the younger kids are better but I know I suck at French.
It also greek to me.
Coffee is on and stay safe
It’s an interesting language. When my daughter was growing up she had a friend whose family was Greek. They were quite immersed in Greek culture so the young lady knew Greek and could write it.
Love,
Janie
I’m in awe of people who can learn Greek! I don’t believe I would be able to do it at all. I also think it’s fascinating when our pastors teach and incorporate Greek word translations from the Bible. It really puts things context.
Hi Debbie – I hope things ease up for you … I remember being in Rhodes in the 1960s and all the buses had Greek writing on them … so we never knew where we were going … stay safe – Hilary
But what about, “Where’s the beer?”
Here you go! ? πού είναι η μπύρα; (poú eínai i býra?)
I recently discovered that my pronunciation of the Greek alphabet that I had to learn when I pledged a sorority in college is all wrong. Ah, well. I too have had my blog on hiatus. I have the time; I have not the desire. Hope to see you back here soon. All the best.
Not only was the language and signage “all Greek to me”, but I found the Greeks the least likely to speak any English. I’m not complaining; it’s as much my responsibility to learn their language, but too difficult for our short sojourn. Lovely places to visit, though!
Interesting Sammy, because I found that most Greeks DO speak English. Mind you, we hit all the tourist “hot spots” and didn’t have time to wander far afield. The signage was another story, but we weren’t driving so it didn’t matter. It is a difficult language to learn and I did try. Gave up fairly quickly though. LOL
Yasou. Efharisto. We celebrated our 40th birthdays in Greece. Learning a new language opens your mind to different ways of thinking…like the concept of ‘hygge’ in Danish – Yassas… I wonder how to say see ya later in Greece 🙂
Efharisto 😀 for this wonderful post. I was actually practising along with the video 😀
Thanks for the Greek lesson, Debbie. I doubt I’ll remember anything but it is interesting to read about.The only language I’ve ever studied extensively is French. I would like to learn some others like Spanish or Italian. Greek looks pretty hard though so much of our English language comes from Greek, doesn’t it?
Without a doubt, Wendy! 🙂 Welcome to The Den. Thanks for your comment.
Still all GREEK to me — LOL
That was a fun way to learn Greek in 3 minutes! 🙂 Thanks, Debbie.
It’s never easy to learn another language. Interesting that India has so many different ones. 🙂
Always good to pick up a few words, here and there. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Hi Cathy; Once you know French, it’s easier to pick up on other Latin languages like Italian and Spanish. Yes, much of the English language does come from Greek, but that alphabet is such a challenge! Harder to learn this stuff when you’re over 50. 😛
How fun! I love learning bits and pieces of new languages. Thank you!
Languages, I love languages (good thing, since that’s basically where my rent comes from). I’m trying to learn a new language these days, although I have put the endeavor off until next month because of the challenge. Maidin Mhaith, Debbie. (Irish Gaelic)
Thanks S(t)ri. 🙂 ευχαριστώ (Efharistó)
I agree with Wolter that it’s important to learn SOME basic words and phrases for any country you visit.
Visiting from A to Z ~
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
“It’s all Greek to me”! Hahaha….A very nice post, Debbie! Your post for K has something to do with my post for L 🙂 Interesting how it goes! I live in southern India and I don’t know Tamil (I am basically from Delhi where Hindi is spoken mostly). And in the last 7 years here in Tamil Nadu I have tried a few times to learn Tamil and have failed miserably. I know just a few words, but the Tamil phrase for “I don’t know Tamil” comes in very handy 🙂 But seriously, I should try harder to learn the language.
Three languages is very good! 🙂 Many people only know one. Greek is one of the most difficult, along with Russian, I think, because of the different alphabet. Thanks for visiting.
Me too Laurel. Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Αυτό είναι απίστευτο. Το λατρεύω απόλυτα!
This is incredible. I love it totally!
This is so interesting..I’m very bad at learning languages…Except English, Hindi and Bengali I’m not good at any!
My pleasure, Shilpa. 🙂 χαρά μου (chará mou)
Τηατ ωας ιντερεστινγ ανδ ινφορματιϝεͺ Τηανκς, Δεββιε
That was interesting and informative. Thanks Debbie 🙂
Καληνύχτα, φίλε μου. Πώς ενδιαφέροντα κείμενα και τα ταξίδια σας! – Chi Chi
Good night, my friend. How interesting your writings and travels are! — Chi Chi
Goodnight Chi Chi and thank you. Efharisto’. 🙂
I’m a bit of a linguist myself, Mary, but Greek was a bit too daunting. 🙂 Irish Gaelic would be an interesting language to learn. Good luck with it!
Sure is! 🙂 I’m so thankful most people do speak English in Greece.
Parakaló̱ 🙂 Saying the words certainly is easier than trying to write them in the Greek alphabet. Thanks for visiting.
Parakaló̱! 🙂 That must have been fantastic birthday celebration, Ida. I agree that learning languages broadens the mind. Gets harder with age though, at least from my experience. See you later = Ta léme argótera
Τα λέμε αργότερα (According to Google). Thanks for visiting.