An interview with:

Angeliki Kefala

Greek teacher

What do you like the most about teaching Greek?

What I enjoy most about teaching Greek is helping students connect with the language in meaningful ways. It’s very rewarding to see them develop their communication skills and achieve their learning goals step by step.

When did you start teaching Greek?

I started teaching Greek voluntarily at a non-governmental organization eight years ago. I taught Greek to refugees as well as to the foreign volunteers of the organization. This experience inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in teaching Greek as a foreign or second language, and now I am continuing with my PhD, focusing on a more specific group: speakers of Greek as a heritage language.

In your experience, what are the most common reasons for wanting to learn Greek?

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn Greek. One of the most important is a personal connection to Greece. They might be a speaker of Greek as a heritage language living abroad who wants to maintain their roots, a spouse of a Greek person who wishes to communicate with their partner’s family, someone who needs to live in Greece for a certain period, or simply someone who loves Greece and wants to learn the language. Based on my experience, the first group—heritage language speakers—is the most common.

How difficult is it to learn Greek, compared to other languages?

Learning Greek is not very difficult, especially with regular practice. Like any language, it takes time and effort, but with consistent exercises and guidance, everything becomes much easier and more manageable.

What aspects of Greek culture are your students usually interested in?

My students are usually interested in many aspects of Greek culture, including the history, mythology, traditions, and festivals. They also enjoy learning about Greek food, music, and daily life, as these help them connect with the language in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

What's the hardest part of being a Greek teacher?

The hardest part of being a Greek teacher is finding the best way to meet each student’s individual needs, as everyone learns differently. It can be challenging to adapt lessons so that they are both effective and engaging for all levels, but it is also very rewarding when students make progress.

What's the hardest part of learning Greek?

The hardest part of learning Greek is usually getting used to the alphabet and the different grammar structures, especially if it’s very different from the student’s native language. However, with regular practice and guidance, these challenges quickly become manageable.