Innovative Approaches to teaching Ancient Greek: The experiential Method of Elliniki Agogi
Learning Ancient Greek is often perceived as an arduous task, especially when taught through methods emphasizing rote memorization and grammar rules. However, for modern Greek speakers, particularly elementary school students, the journey to mastering Hellenistic Koine Greek can be surprisingly intuitive and rewarding. At Elliniki Agogi, we have developed a unique approach that leverages the inherent linguistic connection between Modern Greek and Hellenistic Koine Greek. Our method fosters not only linguistic competence but also emotional and intellectual growth, creating a transformative educational experience.
Hellenistic Koine Greek, used in significant texts like the New Testament and countless works of philosophy and science, shares over 80% of its vocabulary with Modern Greek, albeit with minor variations in form and usage. For Greek-speaking children, this linguistic proximity eliminates the steep learning curve that non-Greek speakers face, since it is tailored to Greek speakers, building on their existing linguistic foundation. By starting with the language they already know, children are not learning a foreign language but refining their understanding of a formalized, historical version of their native tongue.
The Elliniki Agogi method employs experiential, active learning, starting at the preschool level. Just as children acquire Modern Greek through immersive, playful interaction, they are introduced to Koine Greek in the same way. This methodology mirrors the insights of François Gouin, who revolutionized language teaching by emphasizing conversation and contextual learning over memorization. By engaging students in dialogue, storytelling, hands-on activities, and theatrical play, we make Ancient Greek a living, vibrant part of their education.
This approach has profound benefits. When children speak better Greek, they think and communicate more effectively. Improved linguistic skills foster empathy for the πλησίον (fellow human) and reduce misunderstandings, nurturing a more harmonious environment. Enhanced communication also correlates with improved academic performance, as language is the foundation of critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, a strong command of Greek equips children to learn foreign languages more easily, broadening their horizons and preparing them to face the challenges of globalization and artificial intelligence.
The misconception of Greek as a “dead language” has severely impacted education, deterring generations from embracing its rich heritage. Yet, international institutions such as the Polis Institute in Jerusalem, the Vivarium Novum Academy in Frascati, Cultura Clásica Publishing House in Spain, Ralston College in Savannah GA, and esteemed universities like Cambridge, Oxford and St. Andrews have demonstrated the enduring relevance of Ancient Greek. Through active teaching methods, these institutions and individual educators have reignited interest in Ancient Greek and Latin, showcasing the vitality of these so-called “dead languages.” At Elliniki Agogi, we focus on the practical application of Ancient Greek in everyday learning, showing students that it is accessible and also deeply relevant.
Our curriculum is centered around the Hellenizein series, meticulously designed to align with students’ knowledge of Modern Greek and their corresponding school curriculum. Each level of the Hellenizein series is tailored to match the grade level of the students, ensuring a seamless integration with their formal education. For instance, Hellenizein 1 is designed for preschoolers and 1st graders, introducing basic words and simple comprehension exercises in Ancient Greek. Hellenizein 2 progresses with content suitable for 2nd graders, building on the grammar and vocabulary they are already familiar with in Modern Greek. Moreover, the content of each book is carefully synchronized with the history curriculum taught at that grade level. For example, Hellenizein 3 includes numerous texts about mythology, reflecting the focus on myths in the 3rd-grade history syllabus in Greek schools. Similarly, Hellenizein 4 explores topics such as the Persian Wars and Alexander the Great, directly corresponding to the 4th-grade history curriculum. This thoughtful alignment reinforces students’ knowledge, connects their Ancient Greek studies with familiar historical themes, and enhances their overall learning experience. A unique feature of the Hellenizein series is that every chapter begins with an original story that evolves and continues throughout the book. This narrative structure captivates the children, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to move eagerly to the next chapter, an approach which reflects the pedagogical principle that children learn best when they are engaged and unaware that they are actively learning.
These texts use the Hellenistic Koine dialect and bridge the gap between the vernacular and ancient forms of the language. Texts like those from Aesop’s fables – simplified in Koine – excerpts from the New Testament, and works of early philosophers provide a foundation for children to expand their linguistic and cultural horizons. As they progress, students are well-equipped to tackle more complex texts, such as those in Attic Greek, should they wish to pursue classical studies at the university level.
By teaching Ancient Greek as a living language and grounding it in the familiarity of Modern Greek, Elliniki Agogi aims to revitalize this invaluable aspect of our cultural heritage. Our students develop a lifelong love for the language, opening doors to the vast intellectual treasures of the past. This method, if adopted more broadly in Greek schools, could ensure that children learn Ancient Greek not out of obligation but out of passion, securing its place in their hearts and minds for generations to come. Only through love can we inspire true learning, and only through inspired learning can we create better, happier individuals.
References
- Foreword in Polis: Speaking Ancient Greek as a Living Language, Polis Institute Press, 2015
- François Gouin, L’ art d’ enseigner et d’ étudier les langues, Langage objectif, Paris, Ecole Pratique des langues vivantes, 1895.
- Mair E. Lloyd & Steven Hunt (Editors), Communicative Approaches for Ancient Languages, Bloomsbury Academic, Publication Date: April 8, 2021.
- Jerome Bruner, The Process of Education, Harvard University Press, 1960.