Modern Greek (Intermediate): Greek Language, History and Culture (one week course in Corfu)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dates: 05.06.2023 > 10.06.2023 | Upon Request | Summer 2023

COVID-19 Update: We can now offer our programmes online through our customised e-learning platform! If you represent a school, youth group, organisation or company, do contact us for a quote!

Intro

The Greek language comes a long way; it has been used in the region (and beyond) for at least 34 centuries; Greek was a widely spoken lingua franca in the Mediterranean world and beyond during classical antiquity. The language is spoken by at least 13-15 million people nowadays in Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities around the world. It is one of the official languages in the EU and a number of educational systems across Europe have included it in their curricula.

Greek is like no other language. There are many words that have been lent to other languages as well as those that have been borrowed, but the actual structure and ‘texture’ of the Greek language is unique. Every word has its own story to tell. It is true that Greek includes words that cannot be translated in any other language ‘filotimo’, ‘palikari’’ are two of the most commonly used as an example of such. Greek people also speak fast, they speak loud, they get angry, and their language can be temperamental, too… Knowing when and what to intonate to get your message can be the cause of confusion.

Greek is an interesting, even charming language. Learning it involves learning the history and culture of Greece, too. This course has been designed for people who have already started to study Greek, know how to read and write but would like to deepen their knowledge of the spoken language as well as discover Greek literature, culture and history; Thus, gaining a better understanding of one of the oldest member countries of the EU’s peoples.

Course Schedule:

This course runs Monday to Friday and includes language tuition as well as cultural activities that tie in well with the morning programme.

Course Follow-up:

Attendees will receive handouts and self-evaluation forms as well as feedback forms on the course itself. Social networking will be set up to maintain contact after the end of the course and continue any discussions begun during the course.

Destination:

Corfu is a beautiful green island, which enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Corfu is a very popular tourist destination. Up until the early 20th century, it was mainly visited by the European royals and elites. It is still popular with the global elite. The island’s history is laden with battles and conquests. Corfu was long controlled by Venice and repulsed several Turkish sieges, before falling under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London. Corfu is renowned for its long tradition and rich culture which is unlike any other Greek island. In 2007, the city’s old city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will also discover a compact world of beautiful beaches and stunning mountain peaks, ancient ruins and picturesque villages. There is something for everyone on the island, whether you prefer peace and quiet or a lively cosmopolitan destination.