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How long after being in Greece will it take to learn Greek?

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blopez34

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I would love to learn Greek in an immersive way. Im thinking of trying to get a summer job there or spending some time staying with friends. How long do you think it will take to learn a basic understanding of Greek. Has anyone else tried to do this?
 
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That is a great question!

I think it really depends on many factors...how long you will be in Greece, have you had any exposure to the Greek lanuage in the past, etc. And of course, it depends on the person,
 
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What is a basic understanding of Greek to you?

To become fluent, it's going depend on how much Greek you know now and how many non-english speaking people you're going to be around. If you're forced to speak Greek and listen to it then it'll be about a year if your Greek is terrible. If your Greek is advanced then 3-6 months, and intermediate will be 6 months - 1 year. I know this from personal experience from when I moved to Greece to go to high school (from the USA). My Greek was advanced, but I was nowhere near fluent. It took me about 6 months to become fluent because I was shy and didn't want to make mistakes speaking Greek, which is another factor.

As it was already mentioned, there will be a number of factors that determine how fast you learn Greek - it's going to depend on how long you will be there, how much you know now, how often you will actually be speaking Greek, how shy you are (people are very insecure when it comes to speaking another language, so it can take a long time to learn), and some other factors I'm probably not thinking of at the moment.
 
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It depends on lots of things. How well do you want to speak, your age, the languages you currently speak and how much time you want to spend studying, if any. Another problem, you will find most Greeks speak some English, especially if you are going to work in the hospitality industry.
If you want to put a lot of effort and only speak Greek when you are there you can learn to communicate, basic stuff with lots of mistakes, in a few months.
Good luck.
 
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blopez34 said:
I would love to learn Greek in an immersive way. Im thinking of trying to get a summer job there or spending some time staying with friends. How long do you think it will take to learn a basic understanding of Greek. Has anyone else tried to do this?
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For me I had no choice but to learn,by looking at TV,old movies, laughing at some of the hilarious ones, talking basic every day words,then slowly more and more words,I had the Greek / English Oxford Dictionary....so as to learn the correct meaning and pronunciation...It came by itself as having all Greek speaking people me I had no choice and that was the best way,some times I did my Excursion programs in Greek language.....so they used to joke with me...."Palikari ..Milaaz Ellinika pyo polleeee Kalla apo tou Ellinez!"...😂😂🇬🇷🇬🇷. Don't struggle or try too hard!!!...
 
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Hash said:
For me I had no choice but to learn,by looking at TV,old movies, laughing at some of the hilarious ones, talking basic every day words,then slowly more and more words,I had the Greek / English Oxford Dictionary....so as to learn the correct meaning and pronunciation...It came by itself as having all Greek speaking people me I had no choice and that was the best way,some times I did my Excursion programs in Greek language.....so they used to joke with me...."Palikari ..Milaaz Ellinika pyo polleeee Kalla apo tou Ellinez!"...😂😂🇬🇷🇬🇷. Don't struggle or try too hard!!!...
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Any tv shows or moviees that you recommend?
 
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nm1999 said:
Any tv shows or moviees that you recommend?
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Not really, these days it is so accessible in many different ways! Are you in Greece right now?....Or living abroad ?
 
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Hash said:
Not really, these days it is so accessible in many different ways! Are you in Greece right now?....Or living abroad ?
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I watch mine on YouTube Lol :)
 
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Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

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The Krevati

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The Crowning (Stefana)

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Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

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Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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