Greek language has had a significant influence on many languages, including Enlgish. It is one of the oldest Indo-European languages and is divided into Ancient Greek and Modern Greek. The Greek language has contributed thousands of words to the English language, some of which are commonly used today. It is estimated that around 5% of the English vocabulary is derived from Greek words.
Reasons for taking greek lessons
Learning to speak Greek can help students in many ways. Firstly, students can enrichen their vocabulary by seeking Greek origin words, since the Greek origin words are used in the formal language. Words as aesthetic or enthusiasm are not slang, but a formal way to express one’s thoughts. So, learning Greek can masterize one’s English fluency.
Secondly, it can help students develop critical thinking skills, as the Greek language is known for its complexity and precision. Greek dialect is built on associating words with memorizing patterns and forming words with a “formula.” This helps by training the brain to think more systematically.
Let’s meet important Greek origin words:
Theater family words:
- Theater: from the Greek word thea meaning “view”. An act to be seen.
- Comedy: from the Greek word komos meaning “kind of celebration” and ode meaning “song”. A play that causes laughter, although in ancient Greece it was a play of high spirited satire of public persons and affairs
- Drama: from the Greek word dro meaning “act”. A play
- Tragedy: from the Greek word tragos meaning “goat” and ode meaning “song”. A genre of drama based on human suffering.
- Myth: from the Greek word mythos meaning “tale”. The main story from which the plot of the play is being inspired, i.e. the myth of Hercules.
- Tragic hero: from the Greek word tragos meaning “goat” and heros meaning “hero”. A person who suffers although he/she has done nothing wrong intentionally.
- Parody: from the Greek word para meaning “along” and ode meaning “song”. A work of performance that imitates another work or performance with ridicule or irony.
- Scene: from the Greek word skene meaning “tent, stage”. The stage where the play is being held
Stay tuned for more Greek origin words.
Giovanna☀️