[B-Greek] new guy, first question

Barry Hofstetter nebarry at verizon.net
Sat Apr 23 08:23:04 EDT 2005


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kevin, Goleta Sign & Banner" <kevin at goletagraphics.com>
To: <b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2005 2:43 AM
Subject: [B-Greek] new guy, first question


>>My question has to do with the grammer.  Should I ignore modern greek grammers
and just focus on using something standard like Mounce, while using my preferred
pronunciation, or should I learn BOTH the modern grammer and the koine grammer?

For Bible study I dont really see a compelling reason to learn the modern 
grammer just
because Im using modern pronunciation (unless the modern grammer and koine 
grammer
are so similar that it is not going to be a big leap between the two).<<

There are enough differences between ancient and modern Greek that you should 
learn them separately (just as you would need special instruction to read 
Chaucer or Beowulf despite your evident knowledge of modern English).  Once 
you've gained reading proficiency in ancient, you will find very little trouble 
in reading Katharevousa as long as you have a good lexicon handy and learn the 
grammatical differences.  Demotike, which makes no attempt to imitate ancient 
Greek, is much more of a challenge, and will require quite a bit more work on 
your part.

N.E. Barry Hofstetter
Adjunct Faculty, The Center for Urban Theological Studies
         Philadelphia, PA
http://www.cuts.edu
Visiting Faculty, Reformed Theological Seminary
         Washington, D.C.
http://www.rts.edu/campuses/washington_dc/index.cfm

And me:
http://mysite.verizon.net/nebarry/

Opinions expressed by author of this message do not necessarily reflect the 
opinions of the institutions listed above...





More information about the B-Greek mailing list