Tamara and Lucas, It's very interesting what you both are saying. Recently I've listened a lecture about Latin and Greek, from which I understood that those ancient languages are the key to understand world and the languages we use on the daily basis.
"Proper study of Classical Languages would prevent such foolishness." Learning the whole language would be a complete waste of time for 90% of the student, who aren't interested and and won't go into fields that require classical languages. They need to learn the meaning of the loan words, which can be studied the same way Brazilians learn advanced vocabulary in Portuguese. Teaching the whole language to everyone is overkill. I never learned a dead language, I simply learned the vocabulary we still use in modern languages. If anyone else WANTS to learn Ancient Greek or Latin, I have no problem with that. I just don't think it should be forced on everyone in high school nor do I think that it's as essential as you do. My English improved due to my studying French and German, too. If I had learned Latin or Ancient Greek, I wouldn't remember any of it but the loan words now anyway because it's not like you can incorporate it into your life as easily as a living language with native speakers unless you work in a field where it's used. Any language, modern or ancient, expands your horizon and teaches you more about language in general. So they are all valuable. I learned that by studying modern languages. But if you don't want to learn that particular language and think it's useless, you won't get much out of it. Europeans empathize language studies compared to Brazilians and English speaking countries, that is true. But most Europeans I know studied English and one or two MODERN languages. Very few study classical languages.
Euclidean Geometry teaches you how to think even better. Latin and Greek are obviously very good too but German or Russian could replace them and they have the added value of being of practical use. They will not help you with etymology but books about Latin and Greek roots can provide for that shortcoming. The real value of learning Latin and Greek is to have direct access to the culture of the ancient civilizations and for Latin the medieval one. And for the majority of the western world, those civilizations are their foundations. But use some judgment learning Greek and Latin: if you go too far you probably will end up having no time left to learn other things. I've met a lot of smart Italians who attended Liceo Classico and ended up knowing no foreign languages or science etc. They boasted about how smart they were, about their critical thinking skills but actually, they were just poor snobbish ignorants that knew nothing and were at the end of the day even not so good with Latin and Greek. Their only skill was to despise those who did not attend the Liceo Classico...
As a native Greek speaker myself I've always wondered how people from foreign countries studied Greek or Ancient Greek that is. The educational system in Greece has students learning Ancient Greek from the age of 12, if not younger, till 18. Then, in High School Latin is a mandatory class for those who want to follow the Humanities direction. From my experience Latin is not a very difficult language to grasp. A lot of students depend on getting a full grade in Latin for their exams, because it's the supposedly easy subject. Needs a lot of studying, nonetheless. Ancient Greek is a whole other subject and definitely not easy, to the point that students steer clear of the Humanities direction just because A. Greek is the main subject. What I'm trying to say is that if it's difficult for us it's understandable to be hard for you. At this stage in my life I'm able to translate Ancient Greek texts to Modern Greek but then again it's not just about translating. There's the grammar, verbs, nouns, syntax and what not. I really want to film a video, or maybe a series of videos, after I'm done with my exams, talking about learning Ancient Greek in Greece and how it's done. I think that it could possibly help other people and also give me an insight into how people from foreign countries actually study, through their comments. This was a hugeass comment. Great video, as always, Jean! Very interesting.
+Miranda Hayes Haha, thank you! Perfect is a big word, but again thank you! How did I learn English? That'd have to be through school (1st grade) - it's mandatory here in schools- and then lessons with a tutor :)
Greek here For all the people that asked about ". How did u learn English and such" ur kinda obligated to learn English here. Most of the people in Greece learn English and after they are done with English most of the time they learn another language(often French) I personally am done with my English courses and I've gotten my diploma and now I'm on the second year of learning French and I'm only 14
+Sophialism Hey! Your idea about a video is great. It is very interesting to know that A.Greek is challenging even for native Greeks. I'm native Russian and learned to read A.Greek some time in my school. It was very hard but it should have been a bit easier for me, as a native Russian than for native English speakers. Russian has more complex morphology and fluid word order. But English syntax is quite complex too.
I highly recommend Hans Ørberg's Lingua Latina Series for Beginners of Latin.For Greek Beginners I recommend The Great Courses Greek 101 by Professor Hans-Friedrich Mueller from the Teaching company.I also suggest Assimil's Le Grec Ancien if you speak or read French.The Greek Paradigm Handbook by Erik Geannikis, Andrew Romiti and P.T. Wilford. Greek An Intensive Course by Hansen and Quinn.I hear good things about the Italian edition of Athenaze.
I don’t think the lingua Latina course was super helpful. It’s great if you want to completely submerse yourself in the language but I find that one big point of learning Latin nowadays is to better understand the history of the language and see how it’s evolved. I use the Cambridge Latin course as well and never have I found a book so helpful to learn a language. Athenaze is also my Greek choice.
@@lucassanchez3819 Lingua latina is not just 1 book. its a series with more than 10 books if I remember correctly. the first big book is about the story to teach people who can't speak a single word of latin latin fast and give them a vocabulary of 1800 words and there is grammar explanations after each chapter. you are supposed to read the colloquium as well. (Orbergs best written book ( he said it himself).) after finishing the first big book and the colloquium you do the exercises in the lingua Latina exercita book. If you want to learn more there's a book fabulae syrae. after doing this you have are already far in learning latin and know much. this is needed because the second big book takes up the pace and difficulty. and here as well there is an exercise book and grammar explanations after each chapter. in this one you learn over 2000 words. and you can get extra books from real writers like plautus caesar vergillius and Cicero. doing all this makes you fluent in latin, speaking writing reading understanding. this method is confirmed by many latin experts and one TH-camr used this method, his channel is Polymathy. and another pro about this orberg series is that it doesn't take much time at all. depending on your confidence and how much time you have, you can complete this series well within 1 year. this method makes Sure you are already better in latin in 1 year than university students who learned latin for over 4-5 years. more shockingly most latin teachers in schools can't even speak the language fluently and just know the grammar rules and something here and there.
@@bodigames I’m not saying that Ørberg’s works aren’t a piece of absolute genius because they are. I’ve used them and I must say that my comprehension skills have gone way up. What I do think they don’t overtly show is the evolution of language. What books like Wheelocks, Ecce Romani, and the Oxford & Cambridge Courses do exceptionally well is increase your critical thinking skills when it comes to language. They can show you the history of language, namely the understanding of why certain words we use in the English language are used, and how they came to acquire their meaning through the stories, historical descriptions, and word study. I hope that we can at least agree that these books should be used in tandem. From each one I’ve acquired something new that I otherwise wouldn’t have from any other book. Each one has a certain specialty (some are more grammar based, others are readers). It’s a matter of finding a way to maximize your learning and for most people that means looking at different resources.
Hi, I've been learning Latin for a while but never considered learning Greek until I seen this video. Your enthusiasm for books and reading is so infectious and inspirational. Kind regards Linda in Liverpool
This video is very helpful! One of my biggest regrets is that my school DID offer Classics AND Latin, which I did take.. but I didn't apply myself at all due to being a silly teenager at the time. I have definitely sparked an interest now though. :)
Emma Bedelle I know what you mean. Sometimes I wish I had taken latin and Greek at university from my first year but then I don't like to regret it because like you I know I wouldn't have had the same dedication as I do now. There is a time for everything ^_^ you should definitely take them back up.
Ah the JACT Greek books. They are so useful and wonderful! For Latin I really like my Wheelock's Latin text book, which was the one I used in undergrad. It does get mixed reviews from teachers I think and it is an American programme, but I really love it. Every chapter starts with the grammar you need to learn and then at the end you've got exercises and small translations. And at the back of the book it's got tons of optional exercises and longer translations for you to do. It's one of those ones that was really good in the classroom, but that is also easy to use for self-teaching. I never thought I'd love ancient languages as much as I do, but they're just so great. I can't stop studying them and doing translations even though I'm not at uni anymore!
I teach Latin online (I also have a channel here on TH-cam), and stubled upon your video by chance. I learnt with LLPSI / "Familia Romana" myself and now I use it for teaching, along with other inspirations. I recommend it to anyone. Thanks for your insight, Jean!
I am in awe and so excited to learn about memrise. I've been trying my hand at ancient Greek after 4 years of Latin study and it's been so hard finding any materials for self study. This video is amazing. Thank you so much for putting together such a collection of resources, and it was quite nice to see the inside of the volumes as you discussed them.
After deciding to finally delve into the world of Ancient Greek, I have to admit that JACT's Reading Greek is indeed a fantastic book. In fact, it's so great, that I feel happy to be able to finally understand what my high school teacher's had failed to. Furthermore, It's very surprising how when you approach the task correctly you start to see patterns between the ancient language and modern-day Greek.
This is great! We home educated our kids, and I introduced Latin to them when they were little (just roots and games). Five years ago we joined Classical Conversations, a support community for homeschooling families, when the kids were in middle school and high school, and we began Latin grammar studies in earnest together. I've been trying to learn Latin ever since right along with my kids. I'm always looking for ideas and tips on better ways to study. It's difficult for my middle aged brain to grasp, but satisfying. Thanks for the encouragement!
if you aren't using the lingua latina series you should. also there's an online course lead by some latinists, using the most recent assimil book which is supposed to be excellent. SCHOLA LATINA EUROPAEA & UNIVERSALIS
I’m 14 and have been learning Latin for 4 years. I’m also doing Cambridge Latin Course and I’m nearly on book 5! I’ve just finished my level 2 gcse but I think I’m gonna quit tho cos I’ve got my GCSE’s next year :((
Wow that’s amazing! If I were you I would at least read Latin works casually so you don’t forget it. I want to read Caesar’s works in the original Latin myself.
There is also a "Speaking Greek" companion CD now as another companion to the JACT Reading Greek set. The self-study book is called, "Reading Greek: An Independent Study Guide"
I have not found very clear information in the internet about a path to follow on the purpose of learning ancient greek. So this was very helpfull, thank you so much!
Athenaze crops up a lot as a learning resource, but at school we used a book called Thrasymachus, which built learning around the adventures of the eponymous young lad encountering various figures from Greek mythology. I really recommend it because it's a lot more playful and fun than the usual rather staid books that are the norm for classics.
I'm German and I guess I was just really lucky. I had to learn Latin (witch at the time I didn't really appreciate, now I do) and I could choose to Lear some Ancient Greek as well. Great video!
Thank you for this video, Jean! I really want to learn Ancient Greek and was looking for resources. Can't wait to get my hands on the Reading Greek books!
You're awesome!! I had to stop your video midway to go straight to check the Cambridge Latin Course, got the book and made my way through stage 1 all in one sitting. It's very well structured!! So I came back here to thank you for inspiring me. I'm also an English graduate, but I've been working and away from the academic world for a while. I'd love to (one day!) start a PhD part time, just like you!
Hello. I see that this is an old video. My undergrad major was, in part, Greek, though now I am a medievalist and work in Latin and Germanic languages (Old English, Old Norse, Old Saxon, etc). I am tutoring a person in Modern Greek and about to begin tutoring someone in Ancient. I was looking for tools and ran across your videos here and then followed that to your blog. I just wanted to say keep up the good work!
Ancient greek is the foundation of everything western (and modern) in the world. I want to learn the language so that I can translate the original greek works into my native language.
I'm so glad you did this video! I've been fascinated by ancient languages since I was little, even going so far as to frequently check out Latin dictionaries and try to teach myself from the phrases in the back, but I never had the opportunity in school! I ended up a history degree going on to postgraduate work in history museums, so it's something I've wanted to get more serious about but had no idea where to start :) Thank you!
In Germany we do have many schools that still teach Latin but I haven't seen Ancient Greek anywhere... I really wanna get into that one day, so this was very helpful. :)
BeautyChemCam I'm from Germany and had Ancient Greek at school as well as Latin. However, they stopped offering it when I graduated, which I was quite sad about... But I've never met anyone else who also studied Ancient Greek at school :P
I did have Latin for seven years at school and 3 years of Ancient Greek. I personally liked Greek more than Latin and was sad that I was only able to take it for three years. I started Acient Greek at university but stopped because I had forgotten so much from school (I didn't have it the last two years at school) and I wasn't so sure about the studies itself. But I really do miss it and just had a look at my old books from school a few weeks ago..It's an amazing langage, I think I might have to take a look at the reading greek books!
I know this is an older video, but the books by Bill Mounce and Dan Wallace are outstanding for learning Greek - they are geared towards teaching Greek for the purpose of reading Biblical manuscripts, and the books by Mounce are taught in just about every seminary in the US that I am aware of; he's kind of thought of as the "Greek guy..."
Loved your video! I'm now reading Euclid's Elements and that made me fall in love with ancient greek culture and history. I'm wondering how didn't anyone point out how you look so much like Adele.
This was so interesting! I did Latin up till third year of high school then never pursued it for some reason, no idea why as I actually did enjoy it, so you've mad eke want to pick it back up again! I feel like now I'm graduating uni I need to find something else to apply my time to :L xx
Brilliant stuff! Oh...and thrilled to see Zamonia books (Walter Moers) on the shelf there. For a fan of Sir Terry's, they are quite a treat, aren't they? :-)
so I took 4 years of Latin in High School, forgot /all/ of it [except a word or two here or there that helps me out when I've forgotten what some spanish or english means] and now that I've fallen back in love with the Tragedies, I'd rather like to read some Greek poetry and drama. Would any of those help out? I was thinking about just buying a copy of the Loeb books and getting the /sound/ and the english translation, but it's not quite the same.
Even though I don't intend to learn Ancient languages in the near future, this actually really helped me try and figure out the best ways to continue my German, and start my French education!
Χαίρε avēque! I was wondering with what fluency you were able to read Greek literature after the JACT Reading Greek series? Salve! Mirabar quanta linguae volubilitate serie JACT perlecta litteras Graecas legere posses?
Hi miss,I want to ask you some questions: 1.what is the difference between:philology,codicology,manuscriptology,paleography,manuscript studies? 2.do they include historical linguistics? 3.can a person study all codices and manuscripts around the world? 4.if they are different from each other,is there a field that covers them all? 5.how can I self study them? 6.what sources should I use to study them(considering that I am in 11th grade so the sources must be from complete beginning to most advanced)? Thank you so much❤️
I learned Latin during my first three years at high school and wanted to take it as a GCSE but both teachers left so it wasn't an option anymore. I'd love to take it up again so thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks for this: I'm using both Reading Greek Text & Vocab and Athenaze together. You are right, the former is great (half way through) and doing it solo. Hoping to then go on a read prose in original Greek.
Beautiful video! Many thanks to the author of the channel for the recommendations! The problem with many people is that they want to take a "magic pill" or get "secret knowledge" and immediately have skills and abilities. However, the truth of life is that knowledge, skills, and abilities do not come by themselves. You can't learn a foreign language without doing anything, without wasting your time and effort, just like you can't learn to ride a bike lying on a comfy couch, listening to lectures and watching videos about "modern methods of learning" on a bike. To really learn something, you have to really practice every day. You're going to fall down while you're learning, and you're going to get bumps - that's normal! The ups and downs of learning are an integral part of our lives. Motivation from success and depression from failure will always be your study companions. However, every student has problems in his or her studies that he or she lacks the knowledge to solve. It can be: poor memorization of words; no progress in language learning; the student can speak, but does not understand speech by ear; misunderstanding of grammar; incorrect pronunciation, etc. Agree that a problem you don't know how to solve is very demotivating. In order to find the answer to our question we have to spend a lot of time to read videos, articles and books by polyglots. In today's world, we have to solve problems as quickly as possible. I don't have time to study and analyze a huge amount of information. My goal is to master the basic knowledge of a foreign language as quickly as possible and already start earning money effectively in the international arena. I settled on the practical guide by Yuriy Ivantsiv " Polyglot's Notes: practical tips for learning foreign language". This book is always in my bag. If I have a problem while learning a language, I quickly find the answer in this book. There are many different techniques and tips for learning a foreign language in Polyglot Notes. I have made my own individual schedule and plan for language learning. Now I know what I am going to study, how I am going to study, when I am going to study and what results I am going to achieve. No problem could stop me! With an effective language learning plan my professional skills are more and more in demand internationally every day. Friends, don't stop there! Everyone has talents that millions of people around the world need! Learn the language and make your ideas and dreams come true! Thanks to the author of the channel for the informative and useful video! Your videos motivate me.
Hiya. I just wanted to share something of my experience with classical languages. Strangely enough, we had a classics teacher at my comprehensive, but surprisingly, I never went to him. I was interested in the ancient world, however. At university, I found 2 books to help teachme Latin, and they bewitched me. So I read them, and so was able to read Ovid, Virgil and Cicero. During my year abroad in Spain, I also studied a bit of Latin at the university of Granada. More recently I tried Greek. The problems for me were all the irregular verbs, plus the middle voice. I know, however that these problems are not insuperable. The book I was reading had lots of good stuff about the Trojan War, Socrates, the Bible, and even Euclid's Elements (stoicheia).
Athenaze works great for self-instruction. Very easy to use. I think the Reading Greek course is cumbersome. It is not helpful to have a course needlessly split up into two separate books to be used in conjunction. Too much make-work.
Thank you for posting this - it was helpful. I studied Latin at school (unusual because I went to a comprehensive). I want to revise my knowledge of Latin and would also like to learn Ancient Greek so I can read some classical texts in the original. I'll check out some of the books you recommend.
wow, this is an interesting video. I am trying to learn ancient Greek myself, through self study. One book/workbook combination that beginners may want to look into is "The Basics of Biblical Greek" (and its corresponding workbook. While not technically ancient Greek, this book focuses on the Greek of the New Testament (and I want to be clear here, you'll be able to work with the Septuagint too, but it will not be as easy as you would expect coming of a learning experience with a book on Biblical Greek). The reason why this book is of interest, though, for ancient Greek learners is that all exercises are from Greek to English. While this can be a disadvantage if you limit your introductory experience to this book, you learn how Greek verbs, nouns, pronouns, and participles too (though you don't learn the optative mood since it is rarely used in the New Testament. The vocabulary in the book is focused on commonly used words found in the NT. After going through this book, you'll find working through ancient greek textbooks will be a lot easier, and will be in a better position to do exercises that involve translating english to greek. There are some potential problems, though, the author uses his own theory to teach how contract verbs actually contract, so you probably will encounter a different set of rules with most other books on ancient or biblical greek. The other thing is that the paradigms the author uses are a little simplified. For example, the book doesn't go into detail of first declension masculine nouns. I though that all first declension nouns were feminine until I started to look at other books in biblical and ancient greek. But I cannot emphasize this enough. The biggest problem you'll find is that doing exercises where you translate english to greek is probably the biggest obstacle with self study. And this book solves that problem by familiarizing yourself with biblical greek (which is really close to classical and homeric greek) with a learning experience that only involves greek to english translations and while familiarizing you with greek paradigms. And then once you can move on to an ancient or classical greek book and work all the exercises, including the english to greek translations.
If you're interested in Ancient Language/Hebrew/Theological discussion I highly recommend "The Bible Project" youtube channel and podcast. The podcast coresponds with their TH-cam videos. Whether you're a Christian, a Muslin, etc. or even an Atheist I highly recommend giving this project a listen/watch. Plus, I have to give praise to the quality of their videos because their animation is just outstanding.
Great video! Here in the US, there doesn't seem to be a push or emphasis on learning foreign languages. At my school we had French & Spanish. My cousin, who went to a school in a wealthier district, had the additional options of Mandarin and German. My parents both learned Latin in school, but I think even in Catholic run schools that has been phased out. The college I attended offered French, Spanish, a few Chinese dialects, Greek & Hebrew...but I didn't have enough free time for them, tragically. I did learn American Sign Language when I changed to a different college. I just wish I could learn every language, even the so-called "dead" ones.
RubyLovesRocket We only had French and Spanish in my school as well, and Spanish only at certain levels. It is such a shame that English speaking countries in general don't seem to push foreign languages as much as say European countries do in school from an early age. My Italian friend did English, French and Latin from primary school and that was pretty common in her Italian school. Yeah my dad did latin in Catholic school too but I think you're right, it is even dying out there now. Haha wouldn't that be wonderful. They do require a lot of time and energy.
I went to both public and private school for HS. In public school, my school offered Chinese, French, Spanish, and Italian. For my private school, Latin was mandatory from freshmen to senior, and then we have to take Spanish from sophomore till senior; and then another 1 foreign language French/Italian for last two years of high school.
Loved your video. Thank you so much for doing it. I have always been fascinated by ancient Greek. I assume that the Greek you are learning and that is in the books you showed in the video is the Greek that came just before Koine (the "common" Greek that the New Testament is written in). It is my understanding that there are at least 4 dielects of ancient Greek -- Attic, Doric, Ionic and Aeolic. Are these books teaching just the Attic dielect or some combination of them ? How is this handled?
Finally, someone who has something good to say about Athenaze. I would not have managed to get through first year Greek without it. I admit, I wouldn't be able to conjugate 'luo' in all its myriad forms, but Athenaze definitely does the best job preparing anyone who actually wants to read Greek and not necessarily become a professor in a Classics Department. After Athenaze II, you will be able to read quite naturally things like the New Testament and the Greek Novels. Homer will still be a bit challenging. However, the point of learning Ancient Languages is to use them, not merely earn credits, and Athenaze definitely makes that its goal. Great video. Thanks!
Did you struggle with Ancient Greek when you first started it? If so, do you have any tips or did it just become easier with time? I only started my Classics degree two months ago but there's a lot of pressure - we have to finish a, what is normally a 3-years language programme, in only one year.
I love your channel. I actually am trying to learn a bit of Latin at the moment as i want to be a Medieval historian :) Are you still at university? My secondary didn't offer Latin either and i definitely think that Latin should be offered. Also just signed up to memrise thank you for the link :)
I did Latin for 7 years, (went to old fashioned prep and public schools). I failed the O level miserably! Just wasn't engaged at the time, but I bought 'Mr Gwynne's Latin' a few years ago, and started memorizing the declensions and some verb tenses etc, but then lost interest, maybe I'll give it another try.
This gives me hope that I won't be the only booktuber who talks about academic subjects, social sciences and such. Are there any other geeks like us in the booktube community?
Hi & Thx! Jean. Any thoughts on approaches to Homeric Greek? I heard you say your more into history but Greek without Homer is like a car with no gas: Everything works but it's going nowhere. Just my 2 cents worth.
Interesting! Right now, I am fascinated for the greek thinkers such Hesiod and Plato. I must confess that I really want to know how the greeks since Socrates, later Plato understand the false nature of the words, and how the myths were misinterpreted by platonists such a simulations of the real world, when what I really think is that the trueness myth nature is the key to the comprehensive understanding of the true Well.If you could I must be very happy to discuss with you about Hesiod's myths and Homer opus, thanks a lot, great video! Yes, I am thinking seriously to learn Attic Greek, if you could make other videos with tips, will be great!
Hey! thank you for this amazing video I was really helpful :) I already started studying Latin on my own with some old family text books as well as memorisation apps. It is relatively easy for me because I am native to a latin language and I've always looked at greek as a big unattainable goal since I have no prior knowledge whatsoever. I was thinking of starting Greek on my own but I would first like to know if I should start with ancient (homer's) greek or Koine greek since it is used in the bible as well as Marcus Aurelius's meditations. I do not know if it would be better to start with the older greek or the more "modern" greek that overlaps with the medieval world. Will learning one prevent me from better understanding the other? How different are they? Will the resources you suggested help me have a good grasp on both? Thank you once again and I am sorry if the question was too long haha.
Those working along might find the Greek Study and Latin Study mailing lists useful: www.quasillum.com/study/greekstudy.php www.quasillum.com/study/latinstudy.php
In Italy, there is a high school called "Liceo Classico" where do you study ancient greek and latin. I just love this two subjects, and they aren't useless!
Do you use the full Liddell & Scott Lexicon or the Intermediate? Or do you use some online dictionary resource? Also do you plan to get a independent tutor in Ancient Greek during the summer or if your PhD place is put off a year during the interim? I know from personal experience how one can let things slide and "get out of shape" without deadlines and structured goals and feedback.
mentatphilosopher I have the intermediate L&S and I also use perseus online, which has the larger L&S on there :). If I get my PhD I'll be auditing more intermediate classes at that university otherwise I was planning on creating a study plan for myself. I think because I know how vital it is to my studies I now have the motivation to keep it up without a tutor, I also can't imagine a year where I'm not doing any studying haha.
How would you recommend I go about learning Latin? I flip through Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis and Wheelock's Latin and write down all the new words. Anything else I should do? Thanks!
I think you can use "Beginning New Testament Greek Made Easy" by Robert K. McIver, and also "Elements of New Testament Greek" (but I forget the author of the second book). Robert McIver urges people to get extra resources, most definitely the Greek New Testament itself (in Greek with NO English), an electronic dictionary, and so on. McIver urges people to go on to his second book: "Intermediate New Testament Greek Made Easier," as well. The Memrise website Jean mentioned in the video is also very good. It has sections for learning all sorts of languages, not just the ones I speak, like French, Spanish and Latin, but those I don't, including Ancient Greek. I am learning Greek now. I noticed that Memrise has a section devoted to "The Elements of New Testament Greek." and that will help you learn Biblical Greek. I can also say, though, that learning Ancient Attic Greek will be of great benefit too, in learning to read the New Testament, because the grammar is very close to Attic Greek. A lot of the vocabulary is also the same. So the books Jean mentions including Athenaze, would be of help. However the religious terminology is different. If you speak Spanish, all I can think of is Editorial Gredos, which I used in Spain. However, I used their books to study Latin books of the Aeneid and one speech by Cicero, with the Spanish translation on the next page. . Editorial Gredos does mainly focus on the classics, and I think it includes Greek. . If you wanted other books by Spanish publishers you might try Amazon or Goodreads.
I go to a grammar school and if you wanted to in year 10 you could learn Ancient Greek. The thing is I don't know if I can do it. I love Greek history so I really want to do it but I don't know if I should do it out of school or in school. Is it hard learning it? How long did it take you to learn it?
+Claire the Book Bear I won't lie it is hard but also manageable. I've never been a language whiz and I had to put a lot of work in but I came out with good grades and it was really satisfying :) I think if you like Greek History it will be worth it! Also I'm still learning. I've done it for a couple of years now but I still couldn't translate a full text without a dictionary etc. I think with languages you are always learning - maybe not so much after like a decade but I wouldn't know haha.
+Jean Bookishthoughts Thank you so much for taking your time to reply to me! I actually did not at all think you would! I love your videos about books and You definitely helped me in choosing what I want to do in year 10! Thank you so much!
Hi, I have just been accepted onto a classics PGCE (without languages). Do you think that I would be able to gain a basic knowledge of Latin for GCSE within a year or two? Do you have any advice?
When I was teaching English abroad, I met another English teacher who had studied Classical Civilization without the languages, and I wondered why. It may simply be because he had gone to a school where no classical languages were offered, or even no foreign languages, and so it was understandable. My own degree was in Spanish, and I read Wheelock's Latin and got a lot out of it. It is a great book, but obviously you need to give it time, doing lots of reinforcement activities and revision, and get used to the idea of carefully analyzing every sentence, finding out what is the subject and the object, what state, or mood the verb is in, and so on. You could certainly try using this book to get you up to GCSE level, and if you do so, the Wheelock's Latin series also has an app you can download for your phone, which can help you check the grammar. I would also suggest you ask the Open University if possible. They teach Classics, and if you explain your circumstances, they might let you do the language course parts of a classics degree only, since you've done the rest. Classics for all might help if you are accepted to teach at a high school.
![Where to start with Ancient Greek literature according to an Ancient Historian [cc]](/img/n.gif)
I'm Italian and I study both Latin and Ancient Greek at high school, I just love them. They really teach you how to think.
Tamara and Lucas, It's very interesting what you both are saying. Recently I've listened a lecture about Latin and Greek, from which I understood that those ancient languages are the key to understand world and the languages we use on the daily basis.
Lucas Sebastiao--Excellent analysis of the word ALETHEIA!Thank you for sharing!
"Proper study of Classical Languages would prevent such foolishness."
Learning the whole language would be a complete waste of time for 90% of the student, who aren't interested and and won't go into fields that require classical languages. They need to learn the meaning of the loan words, which can be studied the same way Brazilians learn advanced vocabulary in Portuguese. Teaching the whole language to everyone is overkill.
I never learned a dead language, I simply learned the vocabulary we still use in modern languages. If anyone else WANTS to learn Ancient Greek or Latin, I have no problem with that. I just don't think it should be forced on everyone in high school nor do I think that it's as essential as you do. My English improved due to my studying French and German, too. If I had learned Latin or Ancient Greek, I wouldn't remember any of it but the loan words now anyway because it's not like you can incorporate it into your life as easily as a living language with native speakers unless you work in a field where it's used.
Any language, modern or ancient, expands your horizon and teaches you more about language in general. So they are all valuable. I learned that by studying modern languages. But if you don't want to learn that particular language and think it's useless, you won't get much out of it.
Europeans empathize language studies compared to Brazilians and English speaking countries, that is true. But most Europeans I know studied English and one or two MODERN languages. Very few study classical languages.
@@Thelaretus Deveras meu caro! kk
Euclidean Geometry teaches you how to think even better. Latin and Greek are obviously very good too but German or Russian could replace them and they have the added value of being of practical use. They will not help you with etymology but books about Latin and Greek roots can provide for that shortcoming.
The real value of learning Latin and Greek is to have direct access to the culture of the ancient civilizations and for Latin the medieval one.
And for the majority of the western world, those civilizations are their foundations.
But use some judgment learning Greek and Latin: if you go too far you probably will end up having no time left to learn other things.
I've met a lot of smart Italians who attended Liceo Classico and ended up knowing no foreign languages or science etc. They boasted about how smart they were, about their critical thinking skills but actually, they were just poor snobbish ignorants that knew nothing and were at the end of the day even not so good with Latin and Greek.
Their only skill was to despise those who did not attend the Liceo Classico...
As a native Greek speaker myself I've always wondered how people from foreign countries studied Greek or Ancient Greek that is.
The educational system in Greece has students learning Ancient Greek from the age of 12, if not younger, till 18.
Then, in High School Latin is a mandatory class for those who want to follow the Humanities direction. From my experience Latin is not a very difficult language to grasp. A lot of students depend on getting a full grade in Latin for their exams, because it's the supposedly easy subject. Needs a lot of studying, nonetheless.
Ancient Greek is a whole other subject and definitely not easy, to the point that students steer clear of the Humanities direction just because A. Greek is the main subject. What I'm trying to say is that if it's difficult for us it's understandable to be hard for you. At this stage in my life I'm able to translate Ancient Greek texts to Modern Greek but then again it's not just about translating. There's the grammar, verbs, nouns, syntax and what not.
I really want to film a video, or maybe a series of videos, after I'm done with my exams, talking about learning Ancient Greek in Greece and how it's done. I think that it could possibly help other people and also give me an insight into how people from foreign countries actually study, through their comments. This was a hugeass comment. Great video, as always, Jean! Very interesting.
+Miranda Hayes Haha, thank you! Perfect is a big word, but again thank you! How did I learn English? That'd have to be through school (1st grade) - it's mandatory here in schools- and then lessons with a tutor :)
Education must be pretty good over there because your English is flawless, it's way better than mine :D and i grew up in the States.
+Sophialism - Interesting post: this isn't something I've heard before. Many thanks.
Greek here
For all the people that asked about ". How did u learn English and such" ur kinda obligated to learn English here.
Most of the people in Greece learn English and after they are done with English most of the time they learn another language(often French) I personally am done with my English courses and I've gotten my diploma and now I'm on the second year of learning French and I'm only 14
+Sophialism Hey! Your idea about a video is great. It is very interesting to know that A.Greek is challenging even for native Greeks. I'm native Russian and learned to read A.Greek some time in my school. It was very hard but it should have been a bit easier for me, as a native Russian than for native English speakers. Russian has more complex morphology and fluid word order. But English syntax is quite complex too.
I highly recommend Hans Ørberg's Lingua Latina Series for Beginners of Latin.For Greek Beginners I recommend The Great Courses Greek 101 by Professor Hans-Friedrich Mueller from the Teaching company.I also suggest Assimil's Le Grec Ancien if you speak or read French.The Greek Paradigm Handbook by Erik Geannikis, Andrew Romiti and P.T. Wilford. Greek An Intensive Course by Hansen and Quinn.I hear good things about the Italian edition of Athenaze.
icelandmoon could you give me the link of beginner in latin, please?
I don’t think the lingua Latina course was super helpful. It’s great if you want to completely submerse yourself in the language but I find that one big point of learning Latin nowadays is to better understand the history of the language and see how it’s evolved. I use the Cambridge Latin course as well and never have I found a book so helpful to learn a language. Athenaze is also my Greek choice.
Mueller also has a Latin course.
@@lucassanchez3819 Lingua latina is not just 1 book. its a series with more than 10 books if I remember correctly. the first big book is about the story to teach people who can't speak a single word of latin latin fast and give them a vocabulary of 1800 words and there is grammar explanations after each chapter. you are supposed to read the colloquium as well. (Orbergs best written book ( he said it himself).) after finishing the first big book and the colloquium you do the exercises in the lingua Latina exercita book. If you want to learn more there's a book fabulae syrae.
after doing this you have are already far in learning latin and know much. this is needed because the second big book takes up the pace and difficulty. and here as well there is an exercise book and grammar explanations after each chapter.
in this one you learn over 2000 words. and you can get extra books from real writers like plautus caesar vergillius and Cicero.
doing all this makes you fluent in latin, speaking writing reading understanding.
this method is confirmed by many latin experts and one TH-camr used this method, his channel is Polymathy.
and another pro about this orberg series is that it doesn't take much time at all.
depending on your confidence and how much time you have, you can complete this series well within 1 year.
this method makes Sure you are already better in latin in 1 year than university students who learned latin for over 4-5 years. more shockingly most latin teachers in schools can't even speak the language fluently and just know the grammar rules and something here and there.
@@bodigames I’m not saying that Ørberg’s works aren’t a piece of absolute genius because they are. I’ve used them and I must say that my comprehension skills have gone way up. What I do think they don’t overtly show is the evolution of language. What books like Wheelocks, Ecce Romani, and the Oxford & Cambridge Courses do exceptionally well is increase your critical thinking skills when it comes to language. They can show you the history of language, namely the understanding of why certain words we use in the English language are used, and how they came to acquire their meaning through the stories, historical descriptions, and word study. I hope that we can at least agree that these books should be used in tandem. From each one I’ve acquired something new that I otherwise wouldn’t have from any other book. Each one has a certain specialty (some are more grammar based, others are readers). It’s a matter of finding a way to maximize your learning and for most people that means looking at different resources.
Hi,
I've been learning Latin for a while but never considered learning Greek until I seen this video. Your enthusiasm for books and reading is so infectious and inspirational.
Kind regards Linda in Liverpool
Dude. Just learn Russian.
This video is very helpful! One of my biggest regrets is that my school DID offer Classics AND Latin, which I did take.. but I didn't apply myself at all due to being a silly teenager at the time. I have definitely sparked an interest now though. :)
Emma Bedelle I know what you mean. Sometimes I wish I had taken latin and Greek at university from my first year but then I don't like to regret it because like you I know I wouldn't have had the same dedication as I do now. There is a time for everything ^_^ you should definitely take them back up.
Ah the JACT Greek books. They are so useful and wonderful!
For Latin I really like my Wheelock's Latin text book, which was the one I used in undergrad. It does get mixed reviews from teachers I think and it is an American programme, but I really love it. Every chapter starts with the grammar you need to learn and then at the end you've got exercises and small translations. And at the back of the book it's got tons of optional exercises and longer translations for you to do. It's one of those ones that was really good in the classroom, but that is also easy to use for self-teaching.
I never thought I'd love ancient languages as much as I do, but they're just so great. I can't stop studying them and doing translations even though I'm not at uni anymore!
I teach Latin online (I also have a channel here on TH-cam), and stubled upon your video by chance. I learnt with LLPSI / "Familia Romana" myself and now I use it for teaching, along with other inspirations. I recommend it to anyone. Thanks for your insight, Jean!
I am in awe and so excited to learn about memrise. I've been trying my hand at ancient Greek after 4 years of Latin study and it's been so hard finding any materials for self study. This video is amazing. Thank you so much for putting together such a collection of resources, and it was quite nice to see the inside of the volumes as you discussed them.
Ellie Taylor Aw I am so glad! I was really proud of it and I'm really happy you have found it useful ^_^
After deciding to finally delve into the world of Ancient Greek, I have to admit that JACT's Reading Greek is indeed a fantastic book. In fact, it's so great, that I feel happy to be able to finally understand what my high school teacher's had failed to. Furthermore, It's very surprising how when you approach the task correctly you start to see patterns between the ancient language and modern-day Greek.
Some of these sound useful. I've been trying to learn Latin for years, but it's so difficult to find a native speaker to help me out.
There's really no such thing as a native Latin speaker.
amyamyamy17 I know. That's where the joke is.
+The Madhouse - Have you tried asking Dr Who?
27 b You know, I did, but he was rather occupied with Zygons at that moment.
I had that once. It was realy nasty!
The way you all speak in your nation is so beautiful. I do not feel that any other region speaks English with such magnificent wonder.
This is great! We home educated our kids, and I introduced Latin to them when they were little (just roots and games). Five years ago we joined Classical Conversations, a support community for homeschooling families, when the kids were in middle school and high school, and we began Latin grammar studies in earnest together. I've been trying to learn Latin ever since right along with my kids. I'm always looking for ideas and tips on better ways to study. It's difficult for my middle aged brain to grasp, but satisfying. Thanks for the encouragement!
if you aren't using the lingua latina series you should. also there's an online course lead by some latinists, using the most recent assimil book which is supposed to be excellent. SCHOLA LATINA EUROPAEA & UNIVERSALIS
I’m 14 and have been learning Latin for 4 years. I’m also doing Cambridge Latin Course and I’m nearly on book 5! I’ve just finished my level 2 gcse but I think I’m gonna quit tho cos I’ve got my GCSE’s next year :((
Good job girly!!!! 💯
Wow that’s amazing! If I were you I would at least read Latin works casually so you don’t forget it. I want to read Caesar’s works in the original Latin myself.
You could probably self apply and do a GCSE in Latin independently because if you have been learning to such a high stage for a long time, why not?
After spending three years on modern mandarin, I'm starting classical/literary/ancient chinese next year!
aussieome Good luck! ^_^
I'm spanish and i start studying both greek and latin in two years, i can't waitttt
There is also a "Speaking Greek" companion CD now as another companion to the JACT Reading Greek set.
The self-study book is called, "Reading Greek: An Independent Study Guide"
meanwhile, i'm over here trying to learn phoenician
How far did you get with the Cambridge course? I mean, am i limited to caecilius est in horto jokes or can we gather around and cry about the dog?
+Vsirin RIP cerberus
Loving M.Beard's Confronting the Classics in the background
I have not found very clear information in the internet about a path to follow on the purpose of learning ancient greek. So this was very helpfull, thank you so much!
Athenaze crops up a lot as a learning resource, but at school we used a book called Thrasymachus, which built learning around the adventures of the eponymous young lad encountering various figures from Greek mythology. I really recommend it because it's a lot more playful and fun than the usual rather staid books that are the norm for classics.
I'm German and I guess I was just really lucky. I had to learn Latin (witch at the time I didn't really appreciate, now I do) and I could choose to Lear some Ancient Greek as well. Great video!
I live in Canada and am studying Classical Languages for my undergrad. I'm glad I found your channel!
Thank you for this video, Jean! I really want to learn Ancient Greek and was looking for resources. Can't wait to get my hands on the Reading Greek books!
You're awesome!! I had to stop your video midway to go straight to check the Cambridge Latin Course, got the book and made my way through stage 1 all in one sitting. It's very well structured!! So I came back here to thank you for inspiring me. I'm also an English graduate, but I've been working and away from the academic world for a while. I'd love to (one day!) start a PhD part time, just like you!
Hello. I see that this is an old video. My undergrad major was, in part, Greek, though now I am a medievalist and work in Latin and Germanic languages (Old English, Old Norse, Old Saxon, etc). I am tutoring a person in Modern Greek and about to begin tutoring someone in Ancient. I was looking for tools and ran across your videos here and then followed that to your blog. I just wanted to say keep up the good work!
It is really amazing to see that people across the globe learn the roots of your native language. This is amazing!
Ancient greek is the foundation of everything western (and modern) in the world. I want to learn the language so that I can translate the original greek works into my native language.
Anyone here because of Percy Jackson?
Just me?
Ok.
I know someone who's into Percy Jackson. I tried to turn him on to the actual Greek literature, but it didn't work.
I'm so glad you did this video! I've been fascinated by ancient languages since I was little, even going so far as to frequently check out Latin dictionaries and try to teach myself from the phrases in the back, but I never had the opportunity in school! I ended up a history degree going on to postgraduate work in history museums, so it's something I've wanted to get more serious about but had no idea where to start :) Thank you!
s0methinglikeastar But now you can learn the ancient languages.
In Germany we do have many schools that still teach Latin but I haven't seen Ancient Greek anywhere... I really wanna get into that one day, so this was very helpful. :)
BeautyChemCam Glad to hear it :)
BeautyChemCam I'm from Germany and had Ancient Greek at school as well as Latin. However, they stopped offering it when I graduated, which I was quite sad about... But I've never met anyone else who also studied Ancient Greek at school :P
Wow, that's super cool. :D
Who's here after reading 'The Secret History'? lol
yes.
... Maybe
Caught me there 😅
Meee
Meeeeeeewww
I did have Latin for seven years at school and 3 years of Ancient Greek. I personally liked Greek more than Latin and was sad that I was only able to take it for three years. I started Acient Greek at university but stopped because I had forgotten so much from school (I didn't have it the last two years at school) and I wasn't so sure about the studies itself. But I really do miss it and just had a look at my old books from school a few weeks ago..It's an amazing langage, I think I might have to take a look at the reading greek books!
Was surfing you tube trying to find videos on how to teach yourself Latin and came across this video. Glad I did. Beauty and brains. You're beautiful!
I've heard that the Italian edition of the Athenaze books are really good and have more readings à la Līngua Latīna.
I want to put a good word in for Peter Jones' book Learning Ancient Greek. It's a great and humorous introduction to the language.
It is worth adding that Classical/Ancient Greek and Latin are (again) available with Memrise.
An informative video, thanks. Duolingo does now offer a basic Latin course.
I know this is an older video, but the books by Bill Mounce and Dan Wallace are outstanding for learning Greek - they are geared towards teaching Greek for the purpose of reading Biblical manuscripts, and the books by Mounce are taught in just about every seminary in the US that I am aware of; he's kind of thought of as the "Greek guy..."
Loved your video! I'm now reading Euclid's Elements and that made me fall in love with ancient greek culture and history. I'm wondering how didn't anyone point out how you look so much like Adele.
This was so interesting! I did Latin up till third year of high school then never pursued it for some reason, no idea why as I actually did enjoy it, so you've mad eke want to pick it back up again! I feel like now I'm graduating uni I need to find something else to apply my time to :L xx
Brilliant stuff!
Oh...and thrilled to see Zamonia books (Walter Moers) on the shelf there. For a fan of Sir Terry's, they are quite a treat, aren't they? :-)
I'm not learning an ancient language but thank you for bringing my attention to Memrise!
islandadventures Haha so glad I even helped if you weren't looking for ancient language tips :D
so I took 4 years of Latin in High School, forgot /all/ of it [except a word or two here or there that helps me out when I've forgotten what some spanish or english means] and now that I've fallen back in love with the Tragedies, I'd rather like to read some Greek poetry and drama. Would any of those help out? I was thinking about just buying a copy of the Loeb books and getting the /sound/ and the english translation, but it's not quite the same.
Even though I don't intend to learn Ancient languages in the near future, this actually really helped me try and figure out the best ways to continue my German, and start my French education!
Χαίρε avēque! I was wondering with what fluency you were able to read Greek literature after the JACT Reading Greek series?
Salve! Mirabar quanta linguae volubilitate serie JACT perlecta litteras Graecas legere posses?
Εύγε! Συγχαρητήρια!
Hi miss,I want to ask you some questions:
1.what is the difference between:philology,codicology,manuscriptology,paleography,manuscript studies?
2.do they include historical linguistics?
3.can a person study all codices and manuscripts around the world?
4.if they are different from each other,is there a field that covers them all?
5.how can I self study them?
6.what sources should I use to study them(considering that I am in 11th grade so the sources must be from complete beginning to most advanced)?
Thank you so much❤️
I learned Latin during my first three years at high school and wanted to take it as a GCSE but both teachers left so it wasn't an option anymore. I'd love to take it up again so thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks for this: I'm using both Reading Greek Text & Vocab and Athenaze together. You are right, the former is great (half way through) and doing it solo. Hoping to then go on a read prose in original Greek.
The only language I speak other than English is Dungeons & Dragons. :)
I'm a wedgie you
Beautiful video! Many thanks to the author of the channel for the recommendations! The problem with many people is that they want to take a "magic pill" or get "secret knowledge" and immediately have skills and abilities. However, the truth of life is that knowledge, skills, and abilities do not come by themselves. You can't learn a foreign language without doing anything, without wasting your time and effort, just like you can't learn to ride a bike lying on a comfy couch, listening to lectures and watching videos about "modern methods of learning" on a bike. To really learn something, you have to really practice every day. You're going to fall down while you're learning, and you're going to get bumps - that's normal! The ups and downs of learning are an integral part of our lives. Motivation from success and depression from failure will always be your study companions. However, every student has problems in his or her studies that he or she lacks the knowledge to solve. It can be: poor memorization of words; no progress in language learning; the student can speak, but does not understand speech by ear; misunderstanding of grammar; incorrect pronunciation, etc. Agree that a problem you don't know how to solve is very demotivating. In order to find the answer to our question we have to spend a lot of time to read videos, articles and books by polyglots. In today's world, we have to solve problems as quickly as possible. I don't have time to study and analyze a huge amount of information. My goal is to master the basic knowledge of a foreign language as quickly as possible and already start earning money effectively in the international arena. I settled on the practical guide by Yuriy Ivantsiv " Polyglot's Notes: practical tips for learning foreign language". This book is always in my bag. If I have a problem while learning a language, I quickly find the answer in this book. There are many different techniques and tips for learning a foreign language in Polyglot Notes. I have made my own individual schedule and plan for language learning. Now I know what I am going to study, how I am going to study, when I am going to study and what results I am going to achieve. No problem could stop me! With an effective language learning plan my professional skills are more and more in demand internationally every day. Friends, don't stop there! Everyone has talents that millions of people around the world need! Learn the language and make your ideas and dreams come true! Thanks to the author of the channel for the informative and useful video! Your videos motivate me.
we used wheelock's for beginners latin in uni, and it was super affordable
This is the first video of yours which I watched and I LOVE you. Insta subscribed.
Great video! Thank you for sharing.
Hiya. I just wanted to share something of my experience with classical languages. Strangely enough, we had a classics teacher at my comprehensive, but surprisingly, I never went to him. I was interested in the ancient world, however. At university, I found 2 books to help teachme Latin, and they bewitched me. So I read them, and so was able to read Ovid, Virgil and Cicero. During my year abroad in Spain, I also studied a bit of Latin at the university of Granada. More recently I tried Greek. The problems for me were all the irregular verbs, plus the middle voice. I know, however that these problems are not insuperable. The book I was reading had lots of good stuff about the Trojan War, Socrates, the Bible, and even Euclid's Elements (stoicheia).
Latin is so fucking hard, like oh my god.
Rogo orat pro mihi.
Please, could you tell me what is "be infinite with everything" in Latin?
Thanks for making this video! Do you recommend making flash cards for vocab or just using a language journal? :)
I've learned Latin at school. Really loved it.
Anyone who learns Ancient Greek and Latin can translate the codex gigs and can read all ancient spells
Can they also make the spells work? 😊
Athenaze works great for self-instruction. Very easy to use. I think the Reading Greek course is cumbersome. It is not helpful to have a course needlessly split up into two separate books to be used in conjunction. Too much make-work.
you're a cute kitty and doing a good job introducing all this books.... I just began with greak after learning myself latin, using Athenaze
Totally off subject, but your hair is so nice here.
cool. here in brazil, i didn't found so many books, but i learned to read using the internet.
Thank you for posting this - it was helpful. I studied Latin at school (unusual because I went to a comprehensive). I want to revise my knowledge of Latin and would also like to learn Ancient Greek so I can read some classical texts in the original. I'll check out some of the books you recommend.
aww, your hair is perfect.
wow, this is an interesting video. I am trying to learn ancient Greek myself, through self study. One book/workbook combination that beginners may want to look into is "The Basics of Biblical Greek" (and its corresponding workbook. While not technically ancient Greek, this book focuses on the Greek of the New Testament (and I want to be clear here, you'll be able to work with the Septuagint too, but it will not be as easy as you would expect coming of a learning experience with a book on Biblical Greek). The reason why this book is of interest, though, for ancient Greek learners is that all exercises are from Greek to English. While this can be a disadvantage if you limit your introductory experience to this book, you learn how Greek verbs, nouns, pronouns, and participles too (though you don't learn the optative mood since it is rarely used in the New Testament. The vocabulary in the book is focused on commonly used words found in the NT. After going through this book, you'll find working through ancient greek textbooks will be a lot easier, and will be in a better position to do exercises that involve translating english to greek.
There are some potential problems, though, the author uses his own theory to teach how contract verbs actually contract, so you probably will encounter a different set of rules with most other books on ancient or biblical greek. The other thing is that the paradigms the author uses are a little simplified. For example, the book doesn't go into detail of first declension masculine nouns. I though that all first declension nouns were feminine until I started to look at other books in biblical and ancient greek.
But I cannot emphasize this enough. The biggest problem you'll find is that doing exercises where you translate english to greek is probably the biggest obstacle with self study. And this book solves that problem by familiarizing yourself with biblical greek (which is really close to classical and homeric greek) with a learning experience that only involves greek to english translations and while familiarizing you with greek paradigms. And then once you can move on to an ancient or classical greek book and work all the exercises, including the english to greek translations.
TangomanX2008 Ok
If you're interested in Ancient Language/Hebrew/Theological discussion I highly recommend "The Bible Project" youtube channel and podcast. The podcast coresponds with their TH-cam videos. Whether you're a Christian, a Muslin, etc. or even an Atheist I highly recommend giving this project a listen/watch. Plus, I have to give praise to the quality of their videos because their animation is just outstanding.
Great video! Here in the US, there doesn't seem to be a push or emphasis on learning foreign languages. At my school we had French & Spanish. My cousin, who went to a school in a wealthier district, had the additional options of Mandarin and German. My parents both learned Latin in school, but I think even in Catholic run schools that has been phased out. The college I attended offered French, Spanish, a few Chinese dialects, Greek & Hebrew...but I didn't have enough free time for them, tragically. I did learn American Sign Language when I changed to a different college. I just wish I could learn every language, even the so-called "dead" ones.
RubyLovesRocket We only had French and Spanish in my school as well, and Spanish only at certain levels. It is such a shame that English speaking countries in general don't seem to push foreign languages as much as say European countries do in school from an early age. My Italian friend did English, French and Latin from primary school and that was pretty common in her Italian school. Yeah my dad did latin in Catholic school too but I think you're right, it is even dying out there now. Haha wouldn't that be wonderful. They do require a lot of time and energy.
I went to both public and private school for HS. In public school, my school offered Chinese, French, Spanish, and Italian. For my private school, Latin was mandatory from freshmen to senior, and then we have to take Spanish from sophomore till senior; and then another 1 foreign language French/Italian for last two years of high school.
Loved your video. Thank you so much for doing it. I have always been fascinated by ancient Greek. I assume that the Greek you are learning and that is in the books you showed in the video is the Greek that came just before Koine (the "common" Greek that the New Testament is written in). It is my understanding that there are at least 4 dielects of ancient Greek -- Attic, Doric, Ionic and Aeolic. Are these books teaching just the Attic dielect or some combination of them ? How is this handled?
Finally, someone who has something good to say about Athenaze. I would not have managed to get through first year Greek without it. I admit, I wouldn't be able to conjugate 'luo' in all its myriad forms, but Athenaze definitely does the best job preparing anyone who actually wants to read Greek and not necessarily become a professor in a Classics Department. After Athenaze II, you will be able to read quite naturally things like the New Testament and the Greek Novels. Homer will still be a bit challenging. However, the point of learning Ancient Languages is to use them, not merely earn credits, and Athenaze definitely makes that its goal. Great video. Thanks!
Did you struggle with Ancient Greek when you first started it? If so, do you have any tips or did it just become easier with time? I only started my Classics degree two months ago but there's a lot of pressure - we have to finish a, what is normally a 3-years language programme, in only one year.
@Worldwide Liberty you really love anguish, judging from your comments, do you? :D
I love your channel. I actually am trying to learn a bit of Latin at the moment as i want to be a Medieval historian :) Are you still at university? My secondary didn't offer Latin either and i definitely think that Latin should be offered. Also just signed up to memrise thank you for the link :)
hello , so did you learn Latin ? I'm a bit curious i wanna learn Latin too and interested in ancient history .
I did Latin for 7 years, (went to old fashioned prep and public schools). I failed the O level miserably! Just wasn't engaged at the time, but I bought 'Mr Gwynne's Latin' a few years ago, and started memorizing the declensions and some verb tenses etc, but then lost interest, maybe I'll give it another try.
This was incredibly helpful, thanks!
This gives me hope that I won't be the only booktuber who talks about academic subjects, social sciences and such. Are there any other geeks like us in the booktube community?
Hi & Thx! Jean. Any thoughts on approaches to Homeric Greek? I heard you say your more into history but Greek without Homer is like a car with no gas: Everything works but it's going nowhere. Just my 2 cents worth.
Interesting! Right now, I am fascinated for the greek thinkers such Hesiod and Plato. I must confess that I really want to know how the greeks since Socrates, later Plato understand the false nature of the words, and how the myths were misinterpreted by platonists such a simulations of the real world, when what I really think is that the trueness myth nature is the key to the comprehensive understanding of the true Well.If you could I must be very happy to discuss with you about Hesiod's myths and Homer opus, thanks a lot, great video!
Yes, I am thinking seriously to learn Attic Greek, if you could make other videos with tips, will be great!
Thank you so much for this video. Bona fortuna!
Hey! thank you for this amazing video I was really helpful :)
I already started studying Latin on my own with some old family text books as well as memorisation apps. It is relatively easy for me because I am native to a latin language and I've always looked at greek as a big unattainable goal since I have no prior knowledge whatsoever. I was thinking of starting Greek on my own but I would first like to know if I should start with ancient (homer's) greek or Koine greek since it is used in the bible as well as Marcus Aurelius's meditations. I do not know if it would be better to start with the older greek or the more "modern" greek that overlaps with the medieval world. Will learning one prevent me from better understanding the other? How different are they? Will the resources you suggested help me have a good grasp on both?
Thank you once again and I am sorry if the question was too long haha.
As a proficient Latin reader, CLC is not as good as LLPSI and Wheelock's courses in my opinion.
I did 3 years of Latin at school and scraped a C in my O level. I found it a very difficult language to learn. All those endings.
I live in the US and I started taking Latin at age 12.
I Love love love love Cambridge. I'm on book 2 but almost book 3
Those working along might find the Greek Study and Latin Study mailing lists useful:
www.quasillum.com/study/greekstudy.php
www.quasillum.com/study/latinstudy.php
In Italy, there is a high school called "Liceo Classico" where do you study ancient greek and latin. I just love this two subjects, and they aren't useless!
u r so cute
Hi! I just check the links for the classes but they are not available.
Do you use the full Liddell & Scott Lexicon or the Intermediate? Or do you use some online dictionary resource?
Also do you plan to get a independent tutor in Ancient Greek during the summer or if your PhD place is put off a year during the interim? I know from personal experience how one can let things slide and "get out of shape" without deadlines and structured goals and feedback.
mentatphilosopher I have the intermediate L&S and I also use perseus online, which has the larger L&S on there :). If I get my PhD I'll be auditing more intermediate classes at that university otherwise I was planning on creating a study plan for myself. I think because I know how vital it is to my studies I now have the motivation to keep it up without a tutor, I also can't imagine a year where I'm not doing any studying haha.
How would you recommend I go about learning Latin? I flip through Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis and Wheelock's Latin and write down all the new words. Anything else I should do? Thanks!
Duolingo now does Latin as well
Very good u post
@jean bookish thoughts - do the books you mention aid in the learning of biblical Greek? if not, what would you recommend?
I think you can use "Beginning New Testament Greek Made Easy" by Robert K. McIver, and also "Elements of New Testament Greek" (but I forget the author of the second book). Robert McIver urges people to get extra resources, most definitely the Greek New Testament itself (in Greek with NO English), an electronic dictionary, and so on. McIver urges people to go on to his second book: "Intermediate New Testament Greek Made Easier," as well. The Memrise website Jean mentioned in the video is also very good. It has sections for learning all sorts of languages, not just the ones I speak, like French, Spanish and Latin, but those I don't, including Ancient Greek. I am learning Greek now. I noticed that Memrise has a section devoted to "The Elements of New Testament Greek." and that will help you learn Biblical Greek. I can also say, though, that learning Ancient Attic Greek will be of great benefit too, in learning to read the New Testament, because the grammar is very close to Attic Greek. A lot of the vocabulary is also the same. So the books Jean mentions including Athenaze, would be of help. However the religious terminology is different. If you speak Spanish, all I can think of is Editorial Gredos, which I used in Spain. However, I used their books to study Latin books of the Aeneid and one speech by Cicero, with the Spanish translation on the next page. . Editorial Gredos does mainly focus on the classics, and I think it includes Greek. . If you wanted other books by Spanish publishers you might try Amazon or Goodreads.
Have you ever used the textbook Ecce Romani?
i have the opportunity to take classes in ancient greek or latin. What should i choose?
thank you! this really helps im trying to learn by myself on my free time lol
I go to a grammar school and if you wanted to in year 10 you could learn Ancient Greek. The thing is I don't know if I can do it. I love Greek history so I really want to do it but I don't know if I should do it out of school or in school. Is it hard learning it? How long did it take you to learn it?
+Claire the Book Bear I won't lie it is hard but also manageable. I've never been a language whiz and I had to put a lot of work in but I came out with good grades and it was really satisfying :) I think if you like Greek History it will be worth it!
Also I'm still learning. I've done it for a couple of years now but I still couldn't translate a full text without a dictionary etc. I think with languages you are always learning - maybe not so much after like a decade but I wouldn't know haha.
+Jean Bookishthoughts Thank you so much for taking your time to reply to me! I actually did not at all think you would! I love your videos about books and You definitely helped me in choosing what I want to do in year 10! Thank you so much!
I liked your video very much!
Hi, I have just been accepted onto a classics PGCE (without languages). Do you think that I would be able to gain a basic knowledge of Latin for GCSE within a year or two? Do you have any advice?
When I was teaching English abroad, I met another English teacher who had studied Classical Civilization without the languages, and I wondered why. It may simply be because he had gone to a school where no classical languages were offered, or even no foreign languages, and so it was understandable. My own degree was in Spanish, and I read Wheelock's Latin and got a lot out of it. It is a great book, but obviously you need to give it time, doing lots of reinforcement activities and revision, and get used to the idea of carefully analyzing every sentence, finding out what is the subject and the object, what state, or mood the verb is in, and so on. You could certainly try using this book to get you up to GCSE level, and if you do so, the Wheelock's Latin series also has an app you can download for your phone, which can help you check the grammar. I would also suggest you ask the Open University if possible. They teach Classics, and if you explain your circumstances, they might let you do the language course parts of a classics degree only, since you've done the rest. Classics for all might help if you are accepted to teach at a high school.
Taking Ancient Greek at a level, so this should help with my revision! Also, does anyone know any good resources for Classical Nahuatl? (Aztec)
❤ very useful n informative ... thanx ❤
thank you, very helpful :)