Greek Lessons for ALL Levels – From absolute beginners to advanced speakers. Lessons open to all ages and tailored individually. Ideal for anyone who wants to learn

Find out more about Alex

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn it?

  I am a mother-tongue Greek speaker born into a Greek family. What made me passionate about teaching the Greek language and culture was having grown up in South Africa as a Greek of the diaspora. I therefore felt a strong desire to maintain the cultural and linguistic link to my heritage and country of origin.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Since learning a language is a journey, what better journey to compare it to than that of Odysseus' return to his beloved Ithaca. My wish for all my students on their language journey are aptly captured by Cavafy's famous words from his poem Ithaca: "As you set out for Ithaca, I hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery." I even more proudly use Ithaca as an example, as it is the island where my maternal grandparents hail from.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favourite Greek phrases is by the Greek poet Κλεόβουλος of Lindos which is πᾶν μέτρον ἄριστον (pan metron ariston). It roughly translates to "everything in moderation" and is a wonderful mantra by which one ought to lead their lives.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Greek and encouraging others to speak the language is an important part of maintaining the cultural and linguistic ties to their heritage and country of origin, especially as Greeks of the diaspora. I am both proud and enthusiastic about sharing our rich and living culture with my students and there is no better way to do that than by learning to speak Greek. I have a passion for teaching and consider it a privilege to be able to pass on my knowledge to others who are willing to learn.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language, and what can help students with the learning process?

  Learning Greek can be a challenge for students who only have knowledge of the Latinic alphabet. Because the Greek language has different letters and sounds, an important hurdle to overcome initially is becoming familiar with the alphabet. Through my lessons, I guide students through this process with a 'reading and writing toolkit' which they all master before beginning with the substantive grammar of the Greek language.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your language learning or your student days?

  What I enjoy most about teaching are the different people I meet. It gives me great joy in hearing the different stories and motivations behind my students' desire to learn Greek. It is also demonstrative of the fact that learning a language is much more than an academic endeavour, but a journey which one embarks on into a new cultural experience that goes beyond the alphabet and vocabulary.

• How has travel or a specific experience helped you to increase your understanding and appreciation of the language?

  Although being born in South Africa, I have travelled extensively to Greece and also lived there during integral periods of my upbringing. I even attended school in Greece. Learning a language is an immersive experience and so being able to live in the country where that language is spoken, is eye-opening to its culture and society which is inevitably bonded to its language.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  Over the years that I have been teaching Greek, I have taught over 50 students of all ages. From young children, to retired adults looking to pick up a new skill in their free time, this teaching exposure has allowed my teaching style to develop into a truly unique and impactful methodology which all my students -no matter their age- have found to be beneficial and exciting.