Learn Conversational Greek Easily

Dr. Paul Pimsleur devoted his life to language teaching and testing and was one of the world's leading experts in applied linguistics. He was fluent in French, good in German, and had a working knowledge of Italian, Russian, Modern Greek, and Mandarin Chinese.

Take advantage of his experience.

Tips For Learning Greek

Author: Nick Nikolis

Whether you are planning a vacation to Greece, traveling on business, or simply looking for an interesting challenge, learning Greek is an exciting and rewarding experience.

For travelers vacationing in Greece, learning even a few phrases is worthwhile. The attempt (however halting) to speak Greek is always appreciated, and having some understanding will enhance your enjoyment of your travel experience. Likewise, business travelers with some command of the language are at an advantage and earn increased respect from their business associates.

There are many opportunities for instruction for those who wish to learn Greek. Instructional methods vary according to personal preference and time constraints, and anyone who wants to learn will be able to find a course which best suits their needs.

For beginners who want to learn Greek on their own, at their own pace, a good option would be to purchase an audio book or CD-ROM learning course. These programs allow learners to work at their own pace, either at home or even while traveling. A variety of fun and entertaining sources are available which focus on listening to native speakers, vocabulary building, and learning common words and phrases. CD-ROM courses often include coaching on pronunciation, allowing users to record themselves and compare their pronunciation with that of a native speaker. CD ROM courses also incorporate colorful graphics and interesting cultural facts into their programs. Audio books and CDs can be purchased either online or at most bookstores.

As an alternative to purchasing an audio book or CD-ROM course in Greek, a number of online courses are also available. Users pay a registration fee based on the type of program they are seeking and then work at their own pace. Some courses are suitable for both adults and children, and they offer everything from basic instruction for beginners to more advanced tutoring for students taking a comprehensive course in modern Greek. Exploring several different options is wise in searching for an online program, as different courses encompass different objectives.

Those who prefer a more personal method of learning have several options, as well. Students looking for a one-on-one experience may find a tutor who will be able to provide personal attention, as well as an opportunity to listen to a fluent speaker of Greek. Local universities which offer programs in modern Greek often provide a listing of capable students who are willing to provide instruction for a small fee. Local Greek communities are also a good source for locating a tutor; Greek-speaking community members may offer tutoring for their non-fluent neighbors.

Taking a class in modern Greek is an especially rewarding way to learn the language. Community colleges and other local sources frequently offer evening language classes for adults, and this can be a fun way to learn Greek while meeting new people and socializing. This setting is also useful for practice in speaking with others.

Again, flourishing Greek communities may offer classes to people in their area as a way to promote their culture; this is an excellent opportunity to practice Greek with native speakers.

Of course, the most intensive way to learn the language and become fluent is to live for a time in Greece, whether for study, business, or an extended visit. While it can be daunting at first to immerse oneself in a foreign culture and foreign language, almost anyone will quickly learn enough of the language to get by. Those who are dedicated to mastering the language will find that spending time in Greece, surrounded by the language and customs of the country, is a wonderful way to become fluent and to connect with the people and their culture.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/tips-for-learning-greek-661675.html

About the Author

Nick Nikolis is working in Atlantica Hotels and Resorts as It manager in Rhodos. Atlantica Hotels and Resorts is a Europe Hotels chain currently offering lodging services in Cyprus Greece and Egypt. Check here Greece Hotels and Cyprus Hotels.

Vocabulary Builder Greek
IF your child's face lights up when they see a brightly colored picture, cuddly toy animal or a game, then this is for them. Vocabulary Builder Greek is designed for kids who like to be entertained. It has lots of brightly colored pictures and fun games to get your child hooked on learning. Adults love this program too!

Will it work for my child?

Vocabulary Builder Greek is designed for children aged 4-12. It's a simple piece of educational software that they'll find easy to use. It's fun, engaging and encouraging - even for children who are easily distracted.

No reading required. Vocabulary Builder is all based on spoken language and pictures, so children don't have to be able to read in order to use it.

What will my child learn?

Vocabulary Builder covers some basic words and phrases. These have been chosen to be fun as well as useful. There are around 100 words in the program - just enough to get your child started without overloading them. The topics include colors, numbers, actions, professions and simple sentences with some prepositions.

How does it work?

There are three different sections:

Learn what the words mean with pictures accompanied by the spoken word. Three exciting memory games that get progressively harder. It's this section where they really learn to recognise and remember words. Record your own story. Browse through the pictures and record the words you want to appear. You can compare your recording with a native speaker if you want.

You can also string your story together with any words you want to put in, then watch your story played back on cinema screen followed by a big round of applause. This really gets them talking in a foreign language and you'll be amazed how quickly they pick up the accent.

Notes for parents:

Biologically, the earlier a child is exposed to a second language the better - studies have proven that a young mind is more receptive than an older one. Learning Greek will also improve your child's ability in other languages.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.2 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)

For more information visit Vocabulary Builder Greek Software.

Talk Now Greek
IF you're new to Greek, there are some basics you will have to learn, whether you're eight years old or 80, on business abroad or a tourist on holiday. Talk Now! Greek offers a simple-to-use method for you to start learning the language, whoever you are.

Will it work for me?

Lots of people have difficulty learning languages. Why? Most have been put off at school, don't have time to learn, or think they are too lazy to do it.

Talk Now! Greek answers these problems:

It lifts the language off the page. There are no dull exercises; just encouraging games that award you points for progress.
It fits easily into short ten-minute sessions. But if you want to push yourself you can learn the basics in a weekend.
if you think you're lazy, think again! You'll be amazed how motivated you can be when you enjoy the experience of learning!

What will I learn? To speak and understand enough to "get by".

You're just starting, so we won't drop you in at the deep end. There are some things you'll want to say in any language: you'll want to say 'hello', order a drink, ask for directions and so on.

This beginners program gets straight to the point. It covers food, colors, shopping, parts of the body, numbers, telling the time, countries, greetings and essential phrases.

How does it work?

Talk Now! Greek gives you easy-to-achieve goals. Learning a new language is far too big a task to tackle all at once, so we have broken it down into a series of rewarding challenges.

Play interactive language games. Talk Now! feeds you new words, along with pictures to reinforce your memory. It then tests your knowledge with fun quizzes. As soon as you start playing you start learning.

Earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You will hear Greek all of the time and, using the recording games, you can start speaking straight away, then compare your voice to a native speaker.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or the ferry without a computer. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you, or upload the program's sound files onto an iPod.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
You can also upload words onto your iPod

For more information visit Talk Now Beginner Greek Software.

Talk The Talk Greek
TALK The Talk is designed with teenagers' social lives in mind. It concentrates on the words and phrases young people need for social conversation, including plenty of useful, up-to-date vocabulary. It then builds their spoken confidence, allowing them to compare their accent to that of a native speaker.

Will it work for me?

This program is best suited for teenagers who are beginning to get to grips with Greek. It's best if you know some basic vocabulary before you start.

Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?
To talk about the things that are relevant to you. We won't bother you with lots of information you won't need or don't find interesting.

Talk The Talk teaches phrases like "I'll send you a text message later" and "we won the game on penalties". Topics include family, school, hobbies, travelling, home, technology, work and sport.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Greek by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually much more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

For more information visit Talk the Talk Greek Beginner Software.

Talk More Greek
THIS program teaches basic conversational phrases with structures that can be adapted to fit different situations. It also tackles one of the main challenges in learning a foreign language: building the confidence to speak it. Talk More's recording function allows you to compare your accent with that of a native speaker. Perfect for building a learner's spoken confidence.

Will it work for me?

If you know some basic Greek, but you don't think you could handle a full conversation, Talk More will get you talking. Because it's aimed at recent beginners, everything you hear will be clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with.

What will I learn?
In this program you'll start putting together complete sentences, as opposed to learning individual bits of vocabulary. We've selected a range of phrases you commonly need abroad, including many that you might find essential: for example, "I'd like to pay by credit card", "My camera has been stolen", and "Where is the pharmacy?"

Topics cover greetings, shops and restaurants, getting around, hotels, phone calls, emergencies, leisure and the basic vocabulary of business and technology.

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Greek by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with that of a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually much more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later
Mac OS X 10.3.9 or above
CD ROM Drive (+ computer microphone)
QuickTime 6 or higher

For more information visit Talk More Greek Conversational Software.

Talk Business Greek
PICTURE yourself doing business with someone who doesn't speak your language. The chances are you'll need more than "holiday level" conversation to get by. That's why Talk Business was developed. It teaches you basic business vocabulary so that you can concentrate on the important stuff and not waste time searching for the right words.

Will it work for me?

Talk Business is aimed at people who already have some experience of the language. You must feel confident enough to start up a conversation and keep it going.

The specialist phrases in Talk Business Greek are clearly spoken at a speed that you can easily keep up with and copy.

What will I learn?
Talk Business Greek gives you essential vocabulary for the workplace. It covers basics such as "what is your website address?" and "my computer crashed and I lost all my files" as well as more advanced discussion of exchange rates, product guarantees and marketing budgets.

Topics covered are: - Trading, buying and selling - Marketing, advertising and PR - IT, Internet, e-commerce and communications - Banking, finance, stock exchange and accounting - Business meetings - Business travel - Careers - Negotiations - On the phone - General business vocabulary

How does it work?

Watch and learn! See and hear how to speak Greek by watching video footage of native speakers.

Build confidence on a computer. Before testing your new speaking skills in the real world, record yourself, then play back to compare your pronunciation with a native speaker. (Note that we don't use electronic voice analysis: the human ear is usually more accurate.)

Play interactive games. The comprehension quiz prompts you to react to real life situations, while a challenging recording quiz tests your knowledge and pronunciation.

You earn points for every game you play. High scorers can go on to win bronze, silver and gold awards, which you can print out as a record of achievement.

You can learn on the move. Carry on learning in the airport lounge or on the ferry. Just print out the phrasebook sheets included in the program and take them with you.

For more information visit Vocabulary Builder Norwegian.

Learning Greek Made Simple

By Jim Oneil

Greece is an ideal place to take a vacation because of its beautiful Mediterranean weather, islands and beaches, not to mention the rich and delicious Greek cuisine. However, most of the tourists and some of the business travelers do not know a single word of Greek, and a lot of Greek natives cannot speak English. This problem can put a damper on what would otherwise be a great trip.

The prospect of learning a foreign language might be really intimidating and difficult if not done properly. This article will help simplify the thought and process of learning Greek so that you will be able to speak it in no time flat. To start with, there are a lot of courses available in language schools and online as well. You can also choose to learn Greek by yourself.

The first thing to consider is your learning ability. Once you have done so, you can set the pace at which you will do your self-study. You can go online and search for websites that offer Greek language lessons. Websites such as My-Language or Unforgettable Languages provide modules that you can use to learn and listen to spoken Greek. You can also choose to learn via books, such as Greek Made Easy by George C. Divry, which is a good book to use. Whatever option you choose, you should make sure that it would suit you the best. The next step is to allot time to study the language. When to study is your prerogative, but it would be better to study it everyday.

Once you have learned the basics of the Greek language, it is important to practice. If you have Greek friends, try speaking with them in Greek as much as you can. This will help you with your intonation and understanding of Greek slang. If you do not know any Greek people personally, what you could do is go to a Greek Church to meet new people. You should make sure to speak Greek as often as possible when conversing with them. Another way to practice is to go to a Greek restaurant and order and speak Greek the whole time. Once you have done all this, you can travel to Greece and make sure to speak in Greek the whole time.

The most important thing that you should always keep in mind is that you have to be confident in yourself, for without it, you cannot learn Greek as well as you should. it does not matter if you make a mistake, you can always learn because of it.

To sum it up, get a book, meet Greek people, be confident and practice, practice, practice. With these in mind, learning Greek will be a breeze!

For those who thirst for the real thing, here is the complete list of all your favorite Greek language learning audio courses: Greek foreign language learning.

When you happen to have a particular language course in mind, try searching for it here: foreign language learning.

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