Mila Xana

On February 9th was the International Greek language Day.

Let's see the power of some Greek words hidden in English .
Look at this mindmap. Do you recognize these Greek words?
I am sure you do.

Being pragmatic means to have a set of beliefs based on reality. This can be your dogma.

When making a dialogue we have to synthesize the different opinions so as to harmonize people's opinions and create a sense of synergy. Each one can help the other in a way. This can create a polymorphous result, in other words something with many different aspects.

Finally, although plethora is something we all like to have, it could lead to agony when we become attached to it as we are afraid of losing it.

Do you see how many Greek words are hidden in English and can generate a lot of meaningful thoughts?

Never stop learning.

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Whenever we start a new foreign language, we might feel discouraged after the first clouds on the horizon. Let alone when it comes to Greek.

According to recent research, about 30% of people aged 21-25, usually drop out of their language classes after the first year.

Every language has a history and comes with its difficulties. In the beginning, we need to practise a lot so as to unlock its structure and learn some basic vocabulary.

Once we understand its logic, everything becomes easier and we feel more confident when using it. This is the beauty of learning a foreign language.

So, don't get disappointed easily and give it some time.

In the end, a foreign language always pays off and opens a new window to the world.

In Greek, the word "nostos" stands for returning back home. Similarly, nostalgia is related to the longing for the past full of happy and special memories.

This is where the Greek word "nostimos-νόστιμος = tasty" comes from. From this concept of nostos.

Therefore, the concept of returning back home (nostos) and sweet longing for happy memories is identified with something pleasant and happy. This is why "nostimos" means delicious in Greek.

As 2024 is about to start, we look to the future without forgetting our past. Our memories forge ourselves and our roots define our mentality and way of thinking. The past matters only when it helps us undersand the present and prepare us for the future.

Seize the day so that your nostalgia is worthy in the future.

Happy the New Year to all of you!

May 2024 be prosperous and creative for everyone.

Did you know that more than 150,000 words out of 600,000 of English are of Greek origin ? This makes up approximately 25% of the English language.

A lot of technical and scientific terms are related to the Greek language ranging from politics, medicine and science to philosophy and culture.

Moreover, many English words are formed by other smaller words that originate from Greek. For example:

phobia (fear of), as in arachnophobia – the fear of spiders
micro (small), as in microscopic – so small it's hard to see
demos (people) as in democracy – government by the people

Last but not least, Greek mythology has been a great source of inspiration for other languages and especially for English .

You may know the expression : "this is my Achilles hill" used when someone wants to express a weakness about something or a kind of vulnerability. This expression is taken from Homer's epic poem, in which Achilles could die only if he was wounded in his heel.
So, speaking Greek can surely help you understand and learn easier lots of words in English today. As long as you try to find the root of the words at hand.

Keep learning!

We all know the word "love" and we enjoy using it !
However, the Greek language has 2 distinctive words for "love" with a different meaning.

1. eros / erotas--- "έρωτας" which is used to show a strong passion for someone or something. The word "erotas" was used in ancient Greece to express the driving force for doing something passionately.

2. agape - "agapi" : which is used to express our affection and long-standing commitment to someone or something. The words "agape" contains the meaning of sacrifice and unselfish love.

As we all understand, we need both in life. The passion that will inspire and motivate us in combination with the affection and tenderness which will hep us endure and keep fighting.

May you have both and be blessed!
Happy Valentine's day!

We all know the words "politics" and "politician" but where do they come from?

Both words are of Greek origin. They come from the word "polis" which in Greek means "city". The concept of the "city" in ancient Greece was related to the idea of the "community". Thus, everything that had to do with the matters of the city were cosidered to be politics and the people who lived in it were called "polites" which stands for citizens.

Hope you found some value in this .
Stay tuned and take care!

Do you know where the beauty of the Greek language lies? In etymology.

Many words consist of others that compose the final meaning. This beauty is well hidden but it's not difficult to detect it. Let's have a look at some examples:

1. έκπληξη : (ekplexi) = surprise.
we have the word "πλήξη=boredom" and the prefix "εκ = come out of" . Thus, literally the word "έκπληξη" means "to come out of boredom.

2. ζωγραφίζω: (zografizo) = to paint
the word consists of 2 other words. The word "ζωή-zoi" which means life and the word "γράφω-grafo" that means "to write".
So , practically the word means "to write about life" . Isn't it wonderful?

Stay tuned as more similar posts are about to follow!
Happy the New Year! All the best to you and your families!

"It traces Greek from its Indo-European prehistory through Homeric Greek, classical Greek, Koine (Greek after Alexander), and modern Greek. In a reversal of history, Marcolongo suggests that the Spartans could have learned a thing or two from the bitter, unending rivalry between Livorno and Pisa. The chapter culminates in the insight that “Greek is the only European language that never evolved into anything other than itself."

An Instant Classic About Learning Ancient Greek With “La Lingua Geniale,” Andrea Marcolongo did something I had very much wanted to do: she wrote about classical Greek while young and freshly enamored of the beauty, economy, and subtlety of the language.

Happy Easter!
Καλό Πάσχα και καλή Ανάσταση!

Why should you learn Greek?

Learning a new language makes us smarter. Especially when it comes to Greek. You have to try hard in order to learn a language that has a wide range of vocabulary and complex Grammar. This is a challege for everyone who wants to achieve a personal feat.

Moreover, the Greek language comes with words and meanings that carry the diachronic values of the western civilization. This way we can better comprehend our culture and the modern world. Words such as democracy, skepticism, economy, politics come from this very ancient language. The same goes for the world of medicine. The majority of the medical terms derives from Greek.

In addition to the above, speaking Greek offers a tremendous advantage: The access to the original texts related to the Greek culture and spirit, ranging from the ancient Greek philosophers to the Bible and our modern era. Being able to dive into the prototypes, the original texts of the Greek literature, is a unique experience that we cannot have otherwise.

Last but not least, travelling is another reason why you should start learning Greek. Greece is a popular touristic destination with great archaelogical sites and amazingly beautiful beaches and landscapes. So if you want to visit Greece, speaking Greek will be the vehicle to get to know better the culture and people of this country.

In case of interest about taking online lessons in Greek, you may contact us at :
[email protected]
mob: 0030 693 66 59 619

Looking forward to meeting you at our online lessons.

We wish you a Merry Christmas !
Stay healthy, be happy and creative!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!

Did you know that you speak Greek in every day dialogues and you don't realize it?

For example:
"The economy will flourish" (the word "economy" comes from the Greek word "ekonomea - οικονομία").

"I love mathematics." ("Μathematics or maths, derives from the Greek word "mathematika -μαθηματικά").

"I really need to organise myself". (The word "organize" derives from the Greek verb "organono- οργανώνω") .

The word "skepticism" -an attitude of doubting the truth of something" , comes from the Greek word "skepsis-σκέψη" which means "thought".

Come with us and discover another way of thinking . Learn Greek online.

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