Greek on the way · question, understand and talk further

01 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

This is how you use the pronunciation rules.

The pronunciation in this page is an approach for Dutch speakers, no IPA and no recording. Capital letters show the stress; it sounds like the Dutch hee and ooo. Try to connect syllables fluently.

Th approaches the English th in think; dh the voice-having th in this. Gh stands for a Greek g-sound, which can become softer depending on the next vowel. Ch is an approach to the Greek χ; before a front vowel it sounds softer. No Dutch spelling covers all Greek sounds exactly.

First read with the pronunciation rule and then try to follow the Greek letters yourself. Senses are polite model examples; the response depends on the context. No new audio recordings have been added.

02 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

At the beach

Στην παραλία

Start with a place question and then add one practical question. πού ask you where something is; with πόσο Ask for an amount. If necessary, point to a parasol or direction. An answer about the sea is not a substitute for current local directions about swimming.

In the model conversation the resident gives a direction. First read the Greek rules and then cover the translation. Then replace the beach with the word from another situation.

03 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

At the pharmacy.

Στο φαρμακείο

Name what you want to discuss and let a pharmacist or doctor assess what is appropriate. The example phrases help to provide information and ask for clarification. They do not contain any diagnosis, dosage or treatment advice.

When talking, show the packaging of a used product and ask for unclear explanations. In the model conversation, only help and clarification is requested; no medicine is prescribed.

04 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

At the car rental

Στην ενοικίαση αυτοκινήτων

Ask specifically for pick-up, return, fuel and what has been written down. A sentence about insurance or deposit does not confirm in itself any cover or agreement. Let the employee designate the relevant part.

The example sentence about a band describes a problem without determining the cause. You can use it to ask the landlord for further instructions. Record existing damage on departure according to the agreements with the company.

05 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

A conversation in the village

Στο χωριό

A greeting and one specific question often open a conversation more easily than a long prepared speech. σας and the plural form you speak politely. Ask for permission before photographing a person or workplace.

In the model interview the question is about the work of a maker. Replace that subject with a dish, a material or a product that you really see.

06 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

If you don't understand the answer

Για να συνεχίσετε τη συζήτηση

Asking a question is only half of a conversation. Therefore, learn to say that you don't understand something. Choose one sense of recovery that you can use without thinking.

Μπορείτε means here you can. You can connect that polite opening to repeat, write down or show it. So you don't have to always look for a completely new beginning. Practice two sentences in a row: a question from a situation, followed by a request for clarification.

07 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

Eight small exercises

Practice recognition first. Read the explanatory notes after each answer and speak the appropriate sentence out loud. A good score only says something about these examples and is not an assessment of your language level.

08 · LANGUAGE ON THE WAY

Make the conversation of yourself

Choose one situation and practice three steps: greetings, asking a specific question and asking for repetition or clarification. Then replace one word or detail. Switch with a travel companion so that you don't just remember your own text.

For example, take with you the question of a parking spot for a village visit, or the question of eating today for lunch. Use only questions you understand. A short real conversation is more valuable than a long text without being able to follow the answer.