John Williams
Aug 31, 2018 · 1 min read

A first rate think-piece. (and so useful to learn the difference between τσιμπούκι and τσιμπούρι which might have otherwise lead to much embarrassment). Let me add another reason for those concerned with the past to learn modern Greek. I made a conscious decision to do so because, having an interest in the Mediterranean Bronze Age, I find it extremely useful to be able to identify material of interest published in Greek. To keep track of Minoan archaeology, for example, it is useful to know French (for reports of work at Malia), German (for activities at Phaistos) and, because the Greeks insist — quite reasonably - on writing about their own history in their own tongue, Greek (for Akrotiri at the every least). My Greek is stumbling but at least it lets me recognise material of interest that I can then invest effort with dictionary in hand to plunge into more deeply.