Learning Greek
Nov 21st 2011, 3:42 pm
#16
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Location: Limassol Cyprus
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Re: Learning Greek
The nice part of learning Greek is to sit somewhere and if somebody is talking about you, or taking you for a ride, you get to know about it!
Nov 21st 2011, 9:28 pm
#17
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Re: Learning Greek
I think if you can at least master the alphabet and the sounds different combinations of letters make it will help you to learn more quickly once you get here.
The language is of course basically the same but with different dialects and some words which are peculiar to Cyprus, even to different regions of the island. Its a bit like learning to speak Queens English and then suddenly finding yourself in the heart Geordieland.
The language is of course basically the same but with different dialects and some words which are peculiar to Cyprus, even to different regions of the island. Its a bit like learning to speak Queens English and then suddenly finding yourself in the heart Geordieland.
That's basically what I wanted to know. It's a few years off yet but when I get to Cyprus, there's going to be a lot of form filling to do. And it's helpful for me to read signs and whatever.
Thanks for your reply Veronica
Nov 22nd 2011, 6:40 am
#19
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Location: Nicosia
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Re: Learning Greek
Never been great at languages myself and Greek is tricky. Been here 8 mths and can confidently say hello, goodby, introduce myself and order basic food and coffee along with recognition of some key words so I can get the jist of conversations. Booked up for lessons Jan. Advice is defo learn to speak the lingo it really is appreciated by the locals. Most signs (shops & Roads) are dual language and there are Cypriot newspapers in English so I think reading and writting, probably beyond me, are not as important. Big tip....dont hang around with Ex pats all day every day do mingle and make friends with Cypriots. I know people here who only socialise with Brits and after 8 years cant even say hello or goodbye.
Nov 22nd 2011, 1:00 pm
#20
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Re: Learning Greek
Never been great at languages myself and Greek is tricky. Been here 8 mths and can confidently say hello, goodby, introduce myself and order basic food and coffee along with recognition of some key words so I can get the jist of conversations. Booked up for lessons Jan. Advice is defo learn to speak the lingo it really is appreciated by the locals. Most signs (shops & Roads) are dual language and there are Cypriot newspapers in English so I think reading and writting, probably beyond me, are not as important. Big tip....dont hang around with Ex pats all day every day do mingle and make friends with Cypriots. I know people here who only socialise with Brits and after 8 years cant even say hello or goodbye.
these are usually the same people who moan when people move to Britain and dont bother to learn English. Even if you aren't good at learning a language, you can learn a little something to say? And good for you for at least starting to learn Greek. It is a tough one to learn I know, I have done a year at college ready for our move and really still struggle but, I am going to learn when we move as I didn't realise Cypriot Greek would be different. 
There is a free course online as well someone advised me to try. You really can get great help and advice on the forum.
Feb 9th 2012, 10:09 pm
#21
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Re: Learning Greek
Γεια σας from Cyprus 
Apr 26th 2012, 2:46 pm
#22
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Re: Learning Greek
Learning Greek greek is different to learning Cypriot greek! :P
Cypriot greek is difficult for Greeks too!
Although both in Greece and Cyprus speak very good English, you won't have any communication problem. The only time maybe you need to speak or understand some greek is at "civil" services!
Cypriot greek is difficult for Greeks too!
Although both in Greece and Cyprus speak very good English, you won't have any communication problem. The only time maybe you need to speak or understand some greek is at "civil" services!
Apr 26th 2012, 6:27 pm
#23
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Re: Learning Greek
Learning Greek greek is different to learning Cypriot greek! :P
Cypriot greek is difficult for Greeks too!
Although both in Greece and Cyprus speak very good English, you won't have any communication problem. The only time maybe you need to speak or understand some greek is at "civil" services!
Cypriot greek is difficult for Greeks too!
Although both in Greece and Cyprus speak very good English, you won't have any communication problem. The only time maybe you need to speak or understand some greek is at "civil" services!
I think it is a real shame that is your view and yes of course you can get by without learning Cypriot Greek, but surely you should at least make the effort to attempt to learn some of the language of the country you have chosen to live in?
Apr 26th 2012, 6:42 pm
#24
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Re: Learning Greek
Well, there is a differnece between Greek from Greece and Greek in Cyprus, but at least the reading and writing is the same, so still a good option to learn.
