WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM
LEARNING ANCIENT GREEK
Some comments by students at the University of Arkansas.
January 19, 2005
I’ve learned that New Testament Greek is way easier than Plato. I’ve
learned (already) that 12:30 is a much better time for Greek to soak into
my brain than 9:30
I have learned that learning Greek requires a thoroughness of preparation
and zeal for grammatical structure. I have also learned that it can be
rewarding if read with an open mind, especially when reading about love
struck, naked teenagers who enjoy excessive bathing. Also, a sense of humor
and an appreciation for plays on words are appreciated. Foremost, however,
I have learned that you never stop learning Greek there is always
something you don’t know waiting to be learned.
Learning Greek is a difficult and time consuming task. It requires countless
ours of memorizing endings, vocabulary, and grammatical structures such
as uses of the subjunctive and optative in things like indirect statement
and various clauses. The biggest key is time.
I have learned that learning Greek can be fun but never ceases to be
a challenge. The best way to learn it is to be constantly reviewing endings
and beginning grammar while reading texts. Namely, if I am not sure what
something is, I need to look it up in the first year book. I seem to forget
quickly.
When learning Greek it is important to read the words aloud. When I
said the words aloud I had an easier time remembering vocabulary and spelling
the word. It is also important, when learning Greek, to memorize declensions
and verb endings.
I have learned NOT TO PROCRASTINATE! When it comes to studying
do it a lot and don’t wait until 10:30/11:00 the night before. (Now that
it has taken this long to learn this, I plan to implement this wisdom during
the course of this semester).
Learning Geek has required, for me, a great measure of humility, along
with persistence and desire. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to
approach Greek as a “living”-spoken language to develop a constructive,
active vocabulary rather than an active vocabulary that is mainly recognition-based.
Commit to memory as much as possible and understand the common structures
that form patterns.
I have learned to get the sense of the grammar instead of imposing grammar
after looking only at vocabulary. I have learned to be patient.
I have learned that learning Greek requires an alert mind, repetition,
perseverance, and realizing that Greek is just another Indo-European Language
(In other words don’t get stuck on the alphabet). Also singing/chanting
or using the Greek orally helps quite a bit.
The greatest thing that I have learned about/through learning Greek is
that it takes passion. Such a passion is required because such great amounts
of dedication and energy are necessary for gaining a full understanding
of the lovely language. As humans, being truly dedicated to and energetic
about something also requires passion. The three go hand in hand (in hand).
Nothing great in this world is accomplished without passion.
Learning Greek is fun! If I can find a way to compare it to Spanish
or English (find similarities), it makes things a lot easier. Using Greek
words everyday also helps.
It is critical to learn and remember vocabulary and the associated declensions
and paradigms to represent them in all usages. It requires much time and
work and tears and practice.
Learning Greek takes a lot of memorization, and it helps to associate
Greek words with English words. It takes a lot of work, but is worth it
in the end.
I have learned hundreds of new and wonderful things since beginning this
class. The language is beautiful, complex, and intriguing. Actually, it
makes English seem to be and it is a sort of secondhand language.
While English made its own version of many words from Greek and other languages,
Greek is the precedent. Except for what I learned from the father in “My
Big Fat Greek Wedding,” I did not realize just how much of English
is ripped off. I like Greek because it is original and it sounds and looks
cool.
I have learned that learning Greek is challenging and requires dedication,
time and patience. I have also learned that, like Latin, it’s logical and
makes sense when intimidation and panic are not allowed to set in!
I have learned all about nouns, verbs, participles, articles, et al.
I have learned that the Greek noun and verb are both “beautiful things”
and that although the characters may be different, they are easy to pronounce.
Not only is Greek a “beautiful thing,” but it also “makes
sense.”
The study of Greek has probably been the most challenging and rewarding
academic endeavor I have begun. It’s a lot of work, but worth every minute.
What I have learned about learning Greek is that learning Greek is not
always easy. However, with determination and willpower, the desired success
of gained knowledge is attainable.
Having a background in Latin truly helps one when learning Greek.
Study vocabulary daily and read thoroughly the introduction. Take my
time and don’t worry if it takes four hours per assignment.
It is not a learning experience where information easily flows into memory.
Practice makes perfect. And yet, it is amazing how quick it will come
back to you when you walk into the classroom.
How to formulate sentences better to where the verbs and adjectives are
attributed to the correct subject. For example: The boy washed the dog,
because he was dirty. The boy was dirty? to this: The boy washed the
dog which was dirty.
Studying is essential. Shouting profanities in a dead language can be
fun. Words are easier to remember when your professor pantomimes them.
1. Pay attention to detail,
2. Don’t get behind;
3. Study constantly;
4. Relax and enjoy the ride;
5. Very rewarding and exciting to be able to read the N. T. in Greek.
I have learned that I have to study the vocabulary for the chapter every
day. I have to say aloud the words to better understand them. I’ve learned
that it takes a lot of time.
Greek is a very beautiful language from which many other words have derived;
I have learned that the Greek language is not only a language but a history
in itself. I have learned to think differently by exploring other languages
other than my native language.
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