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Iphigeneia Spiliotopoulou

In this course you will learn how to make an Ancient Greek text in the Attic dialect come alive. You probably know the various lengths of the vowels in theory for example, but how do they really differ? Maybe you also know in theory the rhythm of a poem (you can make out the prosody etc), but how do the syllables add up in practice?

Reading it aloud and with the right sound and length of the symbols makes all the difference.

If you want to understand deeply the Ancient Greek texts, or to perform them, this is the right course for you, as it is the only available method.

I will lead you through:

Read more

In this course you will learn how to make an Ancient Greek text in the Attic dialect come alive. You probably know the various lengths of the vowels in theory for example, but how do they really differ? Maybe you also know in theory the rhythm of a poem (you can make out the prosody etc), but how do the syllables add up in practice?

Reading it aloud and with the right sound and length of the symbols makes all the difference.

If you want to understand deeply the Ancient Greek texts, or to perform them, this is the right course for you, as it is the only available method.

I will lead you through:

  • the length and the sound of the vowels
  • the sound of the diphthongs
  • the influence of the accents
  • the aspirate
  • the sound of all the consonants

There are a lot of examples and all the material is in downloadable pdf forms.

You must already be familiar with the Greek alphabet, not so much with the language though: if you don't know the words of the examples you can always find them in a dictionary. This is not a course for learning the Ancient Greek language, but only about the sound of it.

The course includes:

  • an introduction where you learn a few things about the history of the Attic dialect and about the sources of our information
  • the sound and the length of the vowels
  • the 3 forms of accents
  • the aspirate
  • the sound of the diphthongs
  • all the consonants
  • an epilogue

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

Read a text of ancient greek in the attic dialect

Syllabus

have a full comprehension of all the sounds of the course

In this video you have the symbols and the sounds of all the letters of the alphabet.

Read more

Here are all the words we used in the lectures and their pronunciation.

Here are all the phrases that we used in the lectures and their pronunciation.

In this video, you will see the main informations about the language and the course, as well as excerpts from every lecture.

Read all the letters of the Ancient Greek alphabet

This is an introduction to the Attic dialect and its sources.

In this lecture we categorise the vowels according to their length and learn their sound, as well as a few consonants.

In this lecture we learn how the accents change the musical tone of the phrase and some more consonants.

In this lecture we see how the aspirate is pronounced, and learn some more consonants.

In this lectrure we learn the sound of all the combinations of the diphthongs.

In this lecture we learn the geminated consonants.

In this lecture we learn the sound of the rest of the consonants.

Here we wrap up the whole course. We overview all the alphabet, the accents and everything else we learned.

Advice

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the Attic dialect, which is foundational for understanding classical Greek literature and philosophy
Requires familiarity with the Greek alphabet, suggesting it is designed for those with some prior exposure to the language
Explores the nuances of vowel length, accents, and aspiration, which are crucial for accurate pronunciation and interpretation
Provides downloadable PDF materials, which can be a valuable resource for learners who prefer to study offline or review concepts
Teaches the sounds of diphthongs and consonants, which are essential components of Ancient Greek phonetics and pronunciation
Does not teach the Ancient Greek language itself, but rather the sound of it, so learners should be prepared to supplement their vocabulary

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ancient Greek Phonetics with these activities:
Review Basic Greek Grammar
Reinforce your understanding of basic Greek grammar to better grasp the nuances of pronunciation and how it affects meaning.
Show steps
  • Review noun declensions and verb conjugations.
  • Practice identifying grammatical cases in simple sentences.
  • Familiarize yourself with common sentence structures.
Review: A Primer of Greek Pronunciation
Deepen your understanding of Ancient Greek phonetics by studying a comprehensive guide to pronunciation.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on vowels and consonants.
  • Pay close attention to the sections on accents and aspiration.
  • Compare the book's explanations with the course materials.
Review: Vox Graeca
Further explore the nuances of Ancient Greek pronunciation with a detailed guide.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction to understand the book's approach.
  • Focus on the chapters that cover areas you find challenging.
  • Compare the book's recommendations with other resources.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice with a Study Partner
Refine your pronunciation skills by practicing with a study partner and providing each other with feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner who is also learning Ancient Greek phonetics.
  • Take turns reading passages aloud and providing feedback.
  • Focus on areas such as vowel length, accents, and aspiration.
Pronunciation Practice with Audio
Improve your pronunciation by repeatedly listening to and imitating audio recordings of Ancient Greek texts.
Show steps
  • Find audio recordings of Ancient Greek poetry or prose.
  • Listen to short passages and repeat them aloud.
  • Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to the original.
Record Yourself Reading a Passage
Solidify your understanding of Ancient Greek phonetics by recording yourself reading a passage and analyzing your pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Select a passage of Ancient Greek text.
  • Prepare the passage by looking up unfamiliar words.
  • Record yourself reading the passage aloud.
  • Listen to the recording and identify areas for improvement.
Help Others with Pronunciation
Reinforce your knowledge by helping other students with their Ancient Greek pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Offer assistance to other students in online forums or study groups.
  • Explain pronunciation rules and provide examples.
  • Offer feedback on their pronunciation attempts.

Career center

Learners who complete Ancient Greek Phonetics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Classical Studies Professor
A Classical Studies Professor teaches and researches various aspects of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, including language, literature, history, and philosophy. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics is highly relevant for a professor specializing in Ancient Greek language and literature. It provides a deep understanding of the pronunciation and sounds of Attic Greek, allowing the professor to bring texts to life for students and conduct more nuanced research. If you want to perform ancient Greek texts accurately, then this course is perfect for you.
Voice Actor
Voice actors provide voices for characters or narrators in various media. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics can be highly beneficial for voice actors who may be cast in roles requiring them to speak Ancient Greek such as in documentaries, video games, or audio dramas. This course emphasizes the practical application of phonetic knowledge through reading texts aloud, directly enhancing the voice actor's ability to accurately and convincingly perform in the language. This is the right course for you if you want to bring the words to life.
Ancient Language Teacher
An Ancient Language Teacher instructs students in the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context of a classical language. For teachers of Ancient Greek, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics can be especially beneficial. This course emphasizes the practical application of phonetic knowledge through reading texts aloud, a skill invaluable for bringing the language to life for students. Teaching the sounds and pronunciation of Ancient Greek helps students to understand. Therefore, this course will help the teacher to more vividly convey their knowledge.
Voice Coach
Voice coaches train individuals in vocal techniques for public speaking, acting, or singing. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics can be useful for a voice coach working with actors or performers who need to speak or perform in Ancient Greek. The course provides a structured approach to mastering the pronunciation and sounds of the language. Emphasis on reading texts aloud is great for performers. The course will let you lead others through the sound of vowels, diphthongs, consonants, and accents. As a voice coach, this course can greatly benefit you.
Philologist
The work of a Philologist centers on the study of language in written historical sources. This includes not only the linguistic aspects of the language itself, but also the literary, historical, and cultural contexts. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful to Philologists focusing on Ancient Greek texts. Deeply learning the sounds of Ancient Greek, as this course provides is fundamental. This course, in particular, helps the philologist more deeply engage with original source material.
Historical Linguist
Historical linguists study the development of languages over time. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics will be useful for a historical linguist interested in the evolution of the Greek language. It will provide a detailed understanding of the sounds of Attic Greek. This course provides a foundation for tracing sound changes and comparing it to later forms of Greek. This course provides insight into the vowels, diphthongs, accents, and consonants of Ancient Greek.
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers conduct in-depth studies within universities and research institutions. For researchers focusing on ancient languages or classical studies, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics can be invaluable. It offers specialized knowledge of Attic Greek pronunciation, enhancing the researcher's ability to analyze texts, understand linguistic nuances, and contribute to the field. The course's detailed exploration of vowels, diphthongs, accents, and consonants may be useful to academic researchers.
Linguist
As a linguist, you would study language, its structure, history, and how humans use it. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful to a linguist specializing in ancient languages, as it covers the sounds and pronunciation of Attic Greek, offering insights into the phonological system of a classical language. This course emphasizes the practical application of phonetic knowledge by reading texts aloud. This course could benefit any linguist wishing to expand their knowledge of ancient languages.
Translator
Translators convert written material from one language into another. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful for translators working with Ancient Greek texts. Understanding the nuances of pronunciation, vowel lengths, accents, and consonant sounds is crucial for accurately conveying the meaning and tone of the original text. This course emphasizes the practical application of phonetic knowledge through reading texts aloud, enhancing a translator's ability to analyze and interpret the source material. If you are seeking to translate Ancient Greek texts, you may find this course helpful.
Language Preservationist
Language preservationists work to document and revitalize endangered or less-commonly-taught languages. Although Ancient Greek is not endangered in the same way as some other languages, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful for those interested in preserving and understanding the pronunciation of ancient languages. The comprehensive coverage of the sounds and pronunciation of Attic Greek serves as a model for language documentation. This course focuses on bringing to life the sounds of ancient Greek. For those who want to bring to life ancient language, this course is for you.
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. For historians specializing in ancient Greece, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful. Understanding the pronunciation and sounds of the language can provide insights into the culture and society of the time. The course's emphasis on the Attic dialect and its historical context could benefit historians seeking a deeper understanding of primary source materials. This course's introduction to the Attic dialect and its sources may be useful.
Textbook Editor
Textbook editors prepare educational materials for publication. This course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful for editors working on textbooks or scholarly editions of Ancient Greek texts. A thorough understanding of the language's pronunciation rules is essential for ensuring accuracy and clarity in the presentation of linguistic information. This course's deep dive into Attic Greek phonetics will allow you to better perform the work of a textbook editor.
Archaeologist
Archaeologists excavate and study material culture to understand past human societies. While not directly related to excavation, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful for archaeologists working with inscriptions or texts found at archaeological sites in Greece. Knowing how the language sounded could provide additional context for understanding the role of these texts. This course provides an overview of the alphabet, accents, and other elements that may be beneficial.
Curator
Curators manage and interpret collections in museums or galleries. For a curator specializing in classical antiquities, this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics may be useful when dealing with artifacts bearing inscriptions or texts. Understanding how the language sounded enhances the curator's ability to provide informed context and interpretation for museum visitors and researchers. The course on the Attic dialect may be useful to your understanding.
Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders. While seemingly unrelated, a speech pathologist with a background in linguistics might find this course on Ancient Greek Phonetics beneficial for understanding the nuances of articulation and phonology. It could provide a broader perspective on the range of human speech sounds and the historical evolution of language. If you want to expand your historical knowledge, this course may be a good option for you.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ancient Greek Phonetics.
Standard reference on Ancient Greek pronunciation. It provides a detailed and systematic overview of the sounds of Ancient Greek, covering vowels, consonants, and accents. It is particularly useful for understanding the theoretical basis of the pronunciation rules taught in the course. This book is commonly used in academic settings.

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