[B-Greek] Online teaching tools

Kevin Riley klriley at alphalink.com.au
Sun Dec 9 20:06:03 EST 2007


 
 
-------Original Message------- 
 
From: Sarah Madden 
Date: 9/12/2007 2:35:38 AM 
 
Thanks, Susan, for an excellent discourse -- it certainly makes sense to me 
To stick with one pronunciation to learn the words -- but to be exposed to 
Other pronunciations to get a sense of the richness of the language! 
 
Sarah Madden 
 
 
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This is also the way modern languages with strong dialects are taught.  You
are taught one pronunciation - usually the formal standard - and then
gradually become exposed to other pronunciations.  You learn to spell by
memory.  There are many English speakers who rarely make a mistake in
spelling, yet English is no more phonetic than modern Greek.  Even
pre-reform Irish can be spelt correctly if you practice long enough  :)
 
I am also not understanding why Erasmian receives such opprobrium on this
list.  It does not, as usually taught today, differ that much from the
pronunciation recommended by JACT and other august classical bodies, nor
from what is generally accepted to have been the pronunciation of C5-4th
Attic [with the exception of the aspirates].  Maybe I am missing something -
what are the pronunciations recommended by Erasmian teachers that are so 
unGreek"?  I am aware of the mistakes Erasmus himself made, but they don't
seem to be taught any more.
 
Kevin Riley



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