SDLP 105: Learning Journal 2

[Constantinos Beauclair-Kolomtsas]

The Greek language is an ancient Mediterranean language that holds many similarities in the way it is spoken by its native speakers with other Mediterranean languages and cultures. The accompanying of language with hand movement is one major aspect of Greek linguistic expression. The hands help express information, emotion, attitude, an an array of feelings to the audience that help present a complete view of what the speaker is talking about. Since Greece is a hot-spot for tourism I have been exposed to other Mediterranean peoples and have noticed a similar use of hand movement when speaking, while Northern Europeans or Slavic Europeans seem to refrain from this type of expression. The best way to appreciate this unique form of expression in Greece is driving, according to my grandmother whom I decided to discuss this discussion topic with. She claims that Greeks get angry easily behind the wheel and often you will see drivers in Athens yelling at each other and flailing their arms from their car windows in a variety of ways to express rage.