Learn Greek Fast!

Can We Really Have You Speaking Greek in Just Ten Days?

Hard to believe, isn't it? Till you ask yourself one simple question: How did you learn English as a child? Did you wade through text books? Did you struggle with grammar? Did you drive yourself crazy trying to get the accent right?

No. You just "picked it up." You heard adults speak, and you uttered your first word. Well, that's how the Pimsleur method works. It's the natural way to learn Greek.  

In easy half hour "bites" on CD, our scientifically sequenced lessons will have you speaking Greek the way the Greeks do–or you pay nothing. Guaranteed. Just give it a try.

Why it's Important to Learn Greek

The Greek language has a long and noble history. Few cultures display a sense of pride to the degree that is demonstrated by the Greek people. The language, culture, and history permeate contemporary literature, art, and philosophy. Ancient Greece is considered by many to be the cradle of Western civilization and Greece's continued influence on the world is undeniable.

A founding member of the United Nations, and one of the earliest members of the European Union, Greece offers opportunities for Greek-speakers to embark on successful diplomatic careers, as well as careers in the maritime and shipping industries.

Their culture is not something the Greek people take lightly. Even those who have left the country to live in other European nations, South America, Canada, and the United States maintain a strong sense of loyalty to and pride in their home country. For this reason, it's important for the descendants of Greek immigrants to learn their family's native language. It's also a way of showing respect to elders, by being able to communicate with them in the language of the homeland.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable reasons to learn Greek is to be able to travel freely and confidently around the country. Tourism is one of Greece's most important contributors to the national economy. It's no wonder with its pristine beaches, azure waters, and mild climate as well as offering one of the most flavorful cuisines in the world. By learning the language before a Greek vacation, you'll be able to ask for moussaka, gemista, pastitsio, or a gyro with just the right accent and pronunciation.

Conversational Greek vs. Academic Greek

Many Greek words have been Anglicized to make them easier for non-native speakers to read. But true Greek uses its own alphabet comprised of 24 letters, which has been in continuous use since at least the eighth century BCE. The Greek alphabet was the basis for both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, and while some letters can be easily deciphered, if you're not a native Greek speaker, making out letters, syllables, and words can be extremely difficult.

The Pimsleur Approach takes the difficult alphabet out of the equation, and teaches you Greek words and phrases that you can learn just by listening and repeating. Because the audio lessons are performed by native speakers, you can be assured you're hearing Greek the way it's actually spoken in Greece. You'll be able to quickly pick up and truly join in on everyday conversations and communicate in Greek–not just memorize spelling and grammar.

By learning Greek the natural way, using idiomatic expressions the Greeks actually use rather than textbook phrases, you will benefit by speaking Greek that is "real" rather than academic.

A Logical Way to Learn Greek

Only after 20 years of scientific research did Dr. Pimsleur hit upon the right method to teach language–by watching his own children. Children have the ability to pick up languages quickly and naturally. What makes Pimsleur courses so successful are the specific scientific principles that replicate the speed and ease at which children learn languages. Read more about how this unique system–which has been purchased by the FBI–works.

No matter what situation you find yourself in–making new friends at a party, in a business meeting or negotiation, or just asking the way to the railway station or a good restaurant–you will find Pimsleur has given you the right Greek words and phrases, the ones that come naturally, without thinking. Read more about what you'll learn with Pimsleur.  

Greek Facts

Greece is where the first coin was created. It is also the birthplace of the tragedy, the comedy, several mathematical principles, and university education. Ancient Greece was an extremely well-developed society.

Greek has one of the longest documented histories in the world. Scholars have discovered written records dating back 3,400 years.

Ancient Greek literature has influenced the world for centuries. Epic poems such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, both by Homer, and the works of Plato and Aristotle have not only survived since they were first written, but are still considered some of the most important literary works today.