I have learned that understanding culture and language are two completely different problems. As a native Greek I am well aware of Greek culture and the ‘Greek mindset ‘despite the fact that I have lived in the United States since the age of eleven. I keep in contact with all my family, visit my birth city of Athens in the summer, and keep up with Greek news networks enough so that I can say I know what it means to be Greek. Fully understanding the language is a different task altogether, and one that I have found difficult. The Greek language is complicated due to the differences between ancient Greek, old or “clean” Greek, and modern Greek. Advanced Greek speakers utilize vocabulary from all three language groups, although an emphasis is placed on “clean” Greek. Due to the fact that I am only accustomed to modern Greek, I have made it a goal to become more accustomed to “clean” Greek due to its prevalent use. I have also decided to avoid ancient Greek due to its difficulty and its weak resemblance to modern Greek – it would be as if I’m learning another language. I have sought out this goal through the reading of academic ad historical books that utilize college level vocabulary or “clean” Greek and slowly have built a small vocabulary of advanced Greek. The book I read on the Greek decision to invade Asia Minor in order to include the large Greek population of the region in the kingdom in the year 1919 has been incredibly helpful. The constant use of diplomatic and military terminology was often challenging to grasp but through the use of dictionaries and the help of my language partner I was able to decipher the frustratingly difficult sections of the book.
My goal of learning academic Greek is not as heavily connected to culture as other language learners’ goals. “Clean” Greek is confined in academia and politics and if spoken to a common man or woman anywhere in the country they will be most probably confused as to why you are speaking to them in such an official manner. The communicative everyday Greek or modern Greek is a language skill that I am fluent in but the ability to write or read advanced Greek is a skill in progress. A greater utilization of online media could be useful since Greek news networks often show politicians speaking in beautifully orchestrated “clean” Greek when they are in formal settings such as the ‘Bouli’ or the Greek Parliament. Thankfully I can access the ERT Greek state news network since it is streamed live online, which makes it an incredibly useful resource. In the end, the only way I will reach my goal is through hard work and continued daily practice and watching the news everyday can be the 24/7 ‘language partner’ that will teach me.
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