© Vladimir Sklyarov - Fotolia | Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
© Vladimir Sklyarov - Fotolia | Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Interesting facts about the Greek language

Learn Greek fast and easily with our language course ‘Greek for beginners’.

em English (US)   »   el.png Ελληνικά

Learn Greek - First words
Hi! Γεια!
Hello! Καλημέρα!
How are you? Τι κάνεις; / Τι κάνετε;
Good bye! Εις το επανιδείν!
See you soon! Τα ξαναλέμε!

Facts about the Greek language

The Greek language boasts a history spanning over 3,400 years, making it one of the oldest written languages still in use today. Its rich heritage includes the classical period, which has profoundly influenced Western culture, philosophy, and science. This deep historical foundation sets Greek apart from many languages.

Modern Greek, while evolved, retains many elements of its ancient predecessor. Speakers can find connections to ancient texts, providing a living link to their heritage. This continuity is a source of pride and identity for Greeks, highlighting the language’s enduring significance.

Greek’s alphabet, introduced around the 9th century BC, marked a significant advancement in writing systems. It was one of the first to include vowels, offering a model for subsequent alphabets. The script’s clarity and efficiency facilitated communication and record-keeping, contributing to the spread of knowledge.

In the realm of science and mathematics, Greek terminology is pervasive. Terms like “biology,“ “physics,“ and “mathematics“ have Greek roots. This linguistic influence extends to many other fields, underlining Greek’s role in the foundation of Western academic and intellectual traditions.

Greece’s modern educational system emphasizes the study of ancient Greek, fostering an appreciation for the language’s classical form. This educational approach not only preserves ancient Greek literature and philosophy but also strengthens the cultural continuity between past and present generations.

The Greek language, with its dialects and regional variations, mirrors the country’s diverse landscapes and histories. These variations enrich the spoken language, adding to the tapestry of Greece’s cultural identity. Through its evolution, Greek continues to be a vibrant and dynamic language, reflecting the spirit of its people.

Greek for beginners is one of over 50 free language packs that you can get from us.

‘50LANGUAGES’ is the effective way to learn Greek online and for free.

Our teaching materials for the Greek course are available both online and as iPhone and Android apps.

With this course you can learn Greek independently - without a teacher and without a language school!

The lessons are clearly structured and will help you achieve your goals.

Learn Greek fast with 100 Greek language lessons organized by topic.