If you are thinking about learning to speak Greek, I’ve just discovered a wonderful free introduction to speaking the Greek language at BYKI

If you’re attempting Greek for the first time, you’ll benefit from the ‘listen and repeat’ study format that’s a fast method of picking up the basics of the language.

Completion of the Byki introduction to Greek will empower you to speak enough Greek to carry you through your holiday or business trip to Greece.  You’ll be able to meet and socialise with the Greek people, endearing yourself forever by communicating in Greek.

Why is it free?

BYKI offers courses to learn more than 70 languages, and each one has a basic level that is free of charge, without obligation. If you wish to continue your language studies, you upgrade to the paid program.

To access Byki’s introduction to Greek, visit the BYKI website and download the language software to your computer. Simple!

Good luck with your Greek studies… enjoy yourself!

Posted in: Crete Language, Crete Life | Comments(4)

While I was sorting through photos of Crete, I came across some video of the night the streets of Platanias, near Chania, exploded into celebration, because Greece had beaten all the odds and won Euro 2004… and Greeks love football!

We had watched the football match at the hotel, and as the final whistle blew, the entire town disgorged itself onto the streets, amidst a chorus of air horns, car hooters, gun fire and whoops of joyful delight that generated a wall of noise!

It was nightfall as we left our hotel and consequently the light quality on this video is appalling, however, I thought you might still enjoy this glimpse of the people of Crete celebrating their football success.

Posted in: Crete Culture | Comments(2)

Do you know the easiest and quickest way to make new friends in Crete? Speak Greek!

Your Greek hosts will respect you and appreciate your efforts to speak their language. Quite possibly, your attempts to grapple with simple Greek phrases will lead to humour, and the shared laughter will plant the seed of friendship.

Greek isn’t the easiest European language to get to grips with, especially as it has its own alphabet. If you begin learning to speak Greek by familiarising yourself with simple Greek phrases, you’ll lay the foundations for enjoying conversations in Greek when you visit Crete.

The more you hear Greek spoken, the easier it will become to identify individual words and phrases, and to mimic the pronunciation. Try listening to Greek radio, even if you have it playing in the background, your brain will absorb the sounds and intonation.

Crete’s friendly and hospitable inhabitants will always do their utmost to understand your Greek conversation. This link offers some simple Greek phrases to get you started.

Go on, give it a go!

Posted in: Crete Language, Crete Life | Comments(4)