Greece- Ancient Greek and Modern Greek?
How much Ancient Greek can modern Greeks understand without studying? I am curious to know. As I understand it there was
1. Mycenean Greek (Linear B)
2. Homeric/Archaic Greek
3. Classical Greek
4. Koine-New Testament Greek
5. Katherevousa Modern Clasical Attic Greek
6. Demotiki Modern Greek
When I say ancient Greek I mean Classical to Koine periods. My Uncle is Greek and he learnt and used Katherevousa at school, he told me it was more similar to ancient Greek but since Demotiki has been adopted the "gulf" between Ancient and Modern has widened to such an extent that a Modern Greek speaker could not understand much of Ancient Greek anymore. Is this true, or is he being old and grumpy?
Would the differences be the same as between Italian and Latin or English and Anglo-Saxon (unintelligible)?
Well, I am a Greek language (ancient and modern) high school teacher.
If you are a Greek you can understand the Koine Greek language, that is the language of the Jesus period. But, you must study so that you can understand ancient Greek language. But, though you can't understand, the connection between them is more than obvious. Many verbs and other words and hole phrases are being used in everyday life in Modern Greek language.
In fact, learning or knowing ancient Greek language is decisive if you want to speak Greek fluently.
Modern Greek is a really difficult language with many synonyms and antonyms and use of non literal phrases. But you can't compare it to Ancient Greek, which is "hell" difficult, even if you are a Greek. It often takes 3-5 words in Modern Greek to translate an ancient Greek word.
About Katharevousa: yes, it was filling the "gap" between Ancient and Modern Greek language.
About Latin language, as I teach it too, and it happens to also speak Italian language, I can say that they differ a lot, maybe even more than Ancient to Modern Greek language.
It is very impressive though, that traditional (folk-) songs from about 1000 a.Chr, Byzantine Era, are COMPLETELY understandable by a Modern Greek speaker.
I hope that was enlightening.
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