[B-Greek] Learn Nouns first, later Verbs

Raymond Regalado fwgk5942 at mb.infoweb.ne.jp
Mon Jan 19 10:53:42 EST 2004


On 2004.1.20, at 12:13  AM, Mitch Larramore wrote:

> Mounce states in his Basic Greek Grammar that it is
> best to study the Noun system first, and to withhold
> discussion of the Verb until much later. He says that
> this makes it easier to learn Greek.

Having read Mounce's book as well as others, all I can say is, it 
probably depends...on the student.  Some students may do well to 
concentrate on mastering the noun system first, and then do verbs.  
Mounce mentions that one of his students finally passed his class after 
Mounce adopted his system of doing nouns first before verbs.  Some may 
find no problem doing nouns then verbs then nouns and then verbs, etc.  
Even Mounce himself is willing to accomodate those teachers who want to 
do verbs sooner, through his "two track" system in BBG.  Having said 
that, let me add that there probably is no "perfect" beginning grammar. 
  A student should perhaps just stick with the text assigned in class, 
in spite of its perceived deficiencies.  If you are teaching yourself, 
then work through one of the popular grammars first, to the end, then 
you may want to try other systems/grammars if you have the time.  I 
think the "key" to learning Greek (or any language) is getting to 
*love* it.  Then you'd find yourself not being content with using just 
one grammar; you'd end up referencing several, in all probability.  I'm 
in my fourth beginning grammar (I did Mounce and Machen and Summers 
previously, though not as thoroughly as I would've liked).  I'm using 
S.M. Baugh's Primer; it's not exactly the best there is, but I can see 
where its "deficient", from my previous knowledge from other grammars...

My two cents,

Raymond Regalado
Tokyo, Japan




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