 All you could ask for, 2006-04-02
Comment: It was with some trepidation that I purchased this book and cd combo. I was never any good at learning foreign languages and so considering that Greek uses a different alphabet to English too, I was half expecting to find the course difficult and frustrating. I also know that there are plenty of "learn at home" courses out there that are just rip offs - a lot of money for not a lot. Well, this was a snip, and has completely changed my attitude towards my own ability to learn a language!This course is absolutely ideal, even if, like me, you are useless with language learning. It has a very clear and consice section at the start on the Greek alphabet and its pronunciation (the Greek alphabet is used throughout, but alongside English translation, and a transliteration, approximating the sounds of Greek words with English letters). I'd advise you to spend some time on this, I did, and the course is so much more enjoyable and rewarding for it. Also, as Greek is a phonetic language, once you can understand the letters and their sounds, you can read any Greek word!! (It might take you a long time and you might not know what it means, but it's a definite aid to your learning, if you can pronounce any written Greek word). There are 15 sections that follow on logically as you follow two non - Greek characters throughout a day in Athens. The first section is greetings and introductions as they arrive at Athens airport, and continues through a myriad of different, yet relevant, situations, ending with a meal.
There is a huge amount of explanation, examples, Greek script (for those interested - and the English for those who aren't) and vocabulary, all at a very steady pace. The book also contains plenty of interesting side notes on Greek life and culture, comparisons between Greeks and English, such as body language and customs, as well as revision units and tests if you want to see how you're doing.
This is all backed up with a quick reference glossary, some introductory notes on grammar, and of course the answers to the tests. There are one or two errors, such as a few questions on words not actually intorduced until later chapters or one or two answers to the tests but overall, if you're looking for an extremely clear, concise introduction to Greek, be it reading, writing, speaking or listening (get the cds too, they are invaluable) you can't do any better. In the few months I've been learning from this, I have had the opportunity to "demonstrate" my knowledge to several Greek and Cypriots friends at uni and none of them have failed to be impressed, with my accent (the cds!), vocab (plenty of examples) or my knowledge of the alphabet and pronunciation (it's all in there! :-) ). The course has had the once over from several Cypriot friends too and they all approve it highly, recognising the authentic visual aids the book employs for those wanting to improve their reading. If you just want to learn some phrases before a holiday, this can help you if you pick the relevant sections (including tips on customs and so forth) but it really is a grounding for a wide base, to go onto really learning Greek. Thoroughly enjoyable!! ps. I'm now on the lookout for some of the author's other Greek books only it seems, this beginner's book is so thorough and easy to understand, that it appears to surpass his books he has dedicated to introducing the Greek alphabet and even the audio package he has done purely for conversation!! There are 35 varied, but realistic dialogues in this course (and I have used them many times already!).
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