Amphion
Keyboard Turner
Ancient Greek Throughout Europe
Posted on 15 August 2010 by Anny Tzotzadini
Greece is not currently popular in European financial circles. But two new books on the Greek language, and the introduction of Ancient Greek as a subject in schools in a pilot project in the UK, indicate that its language and culture are still admired and appreciated around the world. Unlike the more widely taught Latin, Greek is a living language currently spoken by more than 11 million people in mainland Greece and by several million Greeks spread across the world.
Philologist Francisco Rodriguez Adrados of Madrid’s Complutense University, and a member of the Royal Spanish Academy, recently published the seventh volume of his Spanish Dictionary of the Ancient Greek Language. Adrados acknowledges the role of languages of the ancient world such as Egyptian, Sumerian, Hebrew and Arabic. But if judged on the influence exerted over other European languages, he said: “Greek is the first language in the world. The Greek language is not only alive in Greece, but has a second life; its alphabet, vocabulary, syntax and literature are present in all languages.”
French philologist Jacqueline de Romilly’s Petites leçons sur le grec ancien, which she wrote with Monique Trédé, was also been published recently under the title Greek Lessons. The book contains a great deal which is already known, yet the way it is written gives readers the opportunity to check their knowledge and simultaneously either confirm or reject certain truths or misconceptions. Greek Lessons also gives readers the chance to wander through the many changes that, instead of distorting the language, have expanded and enriched it. Moreover, the authors disclose the secrets of the language related to philosophy, psychology and sociology, and also reveal comparisons with the French language, recognising influences, loans and even original words that have been adopted by French.
With the Greek state unable to offer substantial support to ancient and modern Greek studies in a number of universities, which are threatened by severe financial pressure, efforts in other countries such as England, Spain and France have become all the more important for the continuing survival, development and expansion of the Greek language.
More than a dozen primary schools will be teaching Ancient Greek from September this year in Oxfordshire, UK, as part of a pilot scheme to promote the classics among students.
(source:University World News)
URL: Ancient Greek Throughout Europe | Greek Reporter Europe
Posted on 15 August 2010 by Anny Tzotzadini
Greece is not currently popular in European financial circles. But two new books on the Greek language, and the introduction of Ancient Greek as a subject in schools in a pilot project in the UK, indicate that its language and culture are still admired and appreciated around the world. Unlike the more widely taught Latin, Greek is a living language currently spoken by more than 11 million people in mainland Greece and by several million Greeks spread across the world.
Philologist Francisco Rodriguez Adrados of Madrid’s Complutense University, and a member of the Royal Spanish Academy, recently published the seventh volume of his Spanish Dictionary of the Ancient Greek Language. Adrados acknowledges the role of languages of the ancient world such as Egyptian, Sumerian, Hebrew and Arabic. But if judged on the influence exerted over other European languages, he said: “Greek is the first language in the world. The Greek language is not only alive in Greece, but has a second life; its alphabet, vocabulary, syntax and literature are present in all languages.”
French philologist Jacqueline de Romilly’s Petites leçons sur le grec ancien, which she wrote with Monique Trédé, was also been published recently under the title Greek Lessons. The book contains a great deal which is already known, yet the way it is written gives readers the opportunity to check their knowledge and simultaneously either confirm or reject certain truths or misconceptions. Greek Lessons also gives readers the chance to wander through the many changes that, instead of distorting the language, have expanded and enriched it. Moreover, the authors disclose the secrets of the language related to philosophy, psychology and sociology, and also reveal comparisons with the French language, recognising influences, loans and even original words that have been adopted by French.
With the Greek state unable to offer substantial support to ancient and modern Greek studies in a number of universities, which are threatened by severe financial pressure, efforts in other countries such as England, Spain and France have become all the more important for the continuing survival, development and expansion of the Greek language.
More than a dozen primary schools will be teaching Ancient Greek from September this year in Oxfordshire, UK, as part of a pilot scheme to promote the classics among students.
(source:University World News)
URL: Ancient Greek Throughout Europe | Greek Reporter Europe
