Anna Gkini

I find the Greek language captivating. I am blessed that it's my native tongue and aspire to help others learn it! The way grammar is structured and the richness of vocabulary make this language intriguing, and I'm passionate about teaching it to everyone out there. Meeting people interested in Greek language and culture is such a heartwarming experience. Teaching a class is the highlight of my day.

I began teaching Greek around 2011, and I've also had the opportunity to teach in Greek schools in Montreal. I can't envision myself stopping this journey anytime soon.

In my experience, the most common reasons for wanting to learn Greek are varied. Many of my students wish to learn Greek because they plan to visit Greece one day, and they want to navigate the country, ask for directions, and order food with ease. Others learn Greek to establish a deeper connection with their spouse's origin and relatives, and I find it remarkable to witness the efforts they make to strengthen those bonds. I'm here to provide support.

Learning any language comes with its unique challenges, often tied to the culture it represents. When you grasp a phrase, you delve into the way our ancestors thought and tried to express themselves. Learning a new language requires you to see the world from a different perspective, beyond what you already know. This aspect is common to all languages.

Specifically, I can say that Greek may pose difficulties in pronunciation, especially if your native language lacks similar phonetics. However, if your native language shares phonetic features with Greek, it can be relatively easier.

Greek boasts many words adopted or contributed to other languages, making vocabulary exploration quite enjoyable at times. I always aim to explain word etymology for better comprehension and retention.

In my experience, students usually express interest in various aspects of Greek culture. These include religious customs and traditions, Greek philosophy, and geography, particularly the captivating Greek islands. Greek mythology, music, and, of course, the Mediterranean diet and cuisine are also commonly sought after.

I believe the most crucial aspect of being a good Greek student is alignment with your reasons for learning. Are your goals clear, and how committed are you to achieving them? While consistent practice is vital, even those with busy schedules can make progress by remaining attentive during class, asking questions, and completing homework. My best students aren't necessarily the perfect ones but the passionate ones because their drive and focus are qualities that cannot be taught.

If you're facing challenges, it's crucial to identify the specific areas that are causing difficulties. Is it pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, or speaking practice? Once you pinpoint your stumbling block, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a teacher. For instance, listening to dialogues can help you get accustomed to the pace and pronunciation, or learning song lyrics can expand your vocabulary. Exploring different exercise formats can aid in grasping complex grammar concepts. Remember, you're not alone, and asking for help is a valuable step. Don't feel intimidated by the level of difficulty; take it one step at a time.

The time it takes to become fluent in Greek varies depending on how often you study and attend classes. If you dedicate more time, such as 10 hours a week, your progress will be faster compared to only studying for five hours a month. With an intensive program, it's possible to achieve fluency or engage in lengthy, fairly complex conversations within a year.

In my opinion, the key factor that enables some students to progress faster than others is practice. The amount of time and effort you invest significantly impacts your pace of progress. Some students benefit from interacting with friends or relatives who speak the language, allowing them to pick up words and phrases more easily. This kind of immersion can have a catalytic effect on one's progress. If you don't have access to such opportunities, consider joining other students in the learning process, as engaging with peers can yield similar results.

Absolutely! It is entirely possible for speakers of other languages to achieve full mastery of Greek. However, achieving this level of proficiency necessitates consistent dedication, time, and effort.