[B-Greek] Advice from a fellow newbie
Matt Gumm
mattgumm at yahoo.com
Sat Nov 22 16:32:15 EST 2003
This is intended primarily as an encouragement for
those who are new to studying Greek. There have been
several questions I've seen It seems that there are
many who are new to the list, and who have questions
about how to get started. There are plenty of
suggestions in the archives (so check them out), but I
thought I would throw in my two cents worth.
There is the question of a Greek New Testament. There
is no reason to go without a printed copy of the Greek
New Testament. With a little patience and
persistence, a used copy can be had for under $15,
including shipping--sometimes even less. I know,
because I've bought 3 of them in the past month (2
NA26s & a UBS4), on eBay and from a used bookstore.
Want to try before you buy? Try your local library's
interlibrary loan.
How have I used it? I'll be reading in my English
Bible, and when the urge hits me, I'll flip open the
GNT to see how the same things is said in Greek. Or,
our pastor will say something about the Greek in a
message, and I'll look at it for myself.
Granted, right now I can read maybe 5-10% of the words
(or less). But even with a limited vocabulary, you
can get a feel for the flow of Greek, and come back
later to fill in all of your other gaps.
At the same time, download a copy of the GNT and load
it up in your favorite Word Processor and a Greek font
(right now I'm using Gentium), and print out specific
passages you'd like to study. You can print in fonts
as big as you want, and you can leave plenty of space
for translation and notes. Plus you won't have to mark
up your books.
I'm not very far along in my journey, but here's what
I've done so far: I've found some internet resources
to get started studying; I've learned the alphabet and
pronunciations; I've learned some vocabulary words;
I've read the archives and watch bGreek discussions to
see things of interest to me.
Everyone on this list probably has their own opinion
on the best way to learn Greek. I'm not convinced
there is a "best way;" rather, each one has to find
what works best and stick with it. That last part is
probably the most important--more important than the
method or tools you use. I've supplimented Greek work
with Textual Criticism reading, because that's of
interest to me, and so keeps me motivated. For someone
else, it may be learning vocabulary, or trying to
translate verses. Just keep at it.
Finally, I'd like to send out a brief thank you to
bGreeks Dr. Rodney Decker and Jonathan Robie. They
don't know it, but (through their web pages) they have
been a great source of inspiration to me as I've
gotten started learning Greek.
I won't presume to take up any more valuable space. If
you have questions or would like suggestions for
finding used GNTs, some of the URLs I've found useful,
etc., feel free to contact me off-list.
Matt Gumm
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now
http://companion.yahoo.com/
More information about the B-Greek
mailing list