Lecture on Ancient Greek Language and Pronunciation

Introduction

• Greeting to students of Greek language.
• Teacher introduces himself using the Greek word for Miller.
• Connection between 'matha' (learning) and 'math' from Greek 'manthano' (I learn).

Objectives

• Learn Greek alphabet and restored classical pronunciation of Ancient Greek.

Challenges in Pronunciation

• Variety in pronunciation over time and regions:
  • Homer, Plato, Apostle Paul
  • Different dialects and territories
• Comparison with English pronunciation differences.

Restored Classical Pronunciation

• Different from Modern Greek.
• Initiated by Erasmus.
• Standard in American education.
• Adjustments for American English.
• Important to pronounce Greek confidently.

Focus of the Course

• More emphasis on reading than speaking.
• Solid foundation for reading various Greek texts.
• Greek grammar from Homeric to Koine Greek.
• Example: "ton" meaning "him" shows continuity.

Greek Alphabet

• 24 letters in classical Greek alphabet.
• Descendant of a Semitic alphabet.
• Link to Latin alphabet.
• First letters: Alpha (Α, α) and Beta (Β, β).

Pronunciation Guide

• Alpha (Α, α): Long 'a' in father, short 'a' not like 'cake'.
• Beta (Β, β): Pronounced as 'B'.
• Gamma (Γ, γ): Hard 'G' as in 'girl'.
• Delta (Δ, δ): 'D' as in 'deal'.
• Epsilon (Ε, ε): Short 'e' as in 'pet'.
• Zeta (Ζ, ζ): 'Z', sounds like 'DZ'.
• Eta (Η, η): Long 'e' sound, like 'gate'.
• Theta (Θ, θ): 'Th' as in 'Tommy'.
• Iota (Ι, ι): Long 'e' or short 'i'.
• Kappa (Κ, κ): 'K' as in 'kill'.
• Lambda (Λ, λ): 'L' as in 'language'.
• Mu (Μ, μ): 'M' as in 'man'.
• Nu (Ν, ν): 'N' as in 'never'.
• Xi (Ξ, ξ): 'X' as in 'box'.
• Omicron (Ο, ο): Short 'o', not 'bat'.
• Pi (Π, π): 'P' as in 'pi'.
• Rho (Ρ, ρ): Trilled 'R'.
• Sigma (Σ, σ/ς): 'S', special lowercase for word endings.
• Tau (Τ, τ): 'T' as in 'tip'.
• Upsilon (Υ, υ): Similar to 'U' in French.
• Phi (Φ, φ): 'F' sound.
• Chi (Χ, χ): 'K' with air, akin to German or Scottish.
• Psi (Ψ, ψ): 'PS' as in 'lips'.
• Omega (Ω, ω): Long 'O'.

Diacritics and Breathing Marks

• Smooth and rough breathing marks for vowels.
• Example: "Η" with rough breathing is 'He'.

Diphthongs

• ΑΙ: 'AI' as in 'isle'.
• ΑΥ: 'AU' as in 'house'.
• ΕΙ: like 'a' in 'freight'.
• ΕΥ or ΗΥ: as in French 'eu'.
• ΟΙ: 'OI' as in 'foil'.
• ΟΥ: 'OU' as in 'soup'.
• ΥΙ: 'UI' as in 'we'.

Practice Words

• Example words with pronunciation practice:
  • Μυριός (Myrios) - countless
  • Θάλασσα (Thalassa) - sea
  • Τίθημι (Tithemē) - to place
  • Δε (De) - and/but
  • Ηρώς (Hero) - hero

Homework

• Study the alphabet and complete exercises.
• Repeat the lecture as needed.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to master the Greek verb and read classical texts.
• Emphasis on continuous practice and learning.