There are many reasons to learn new languages, but why should your student learn the Greek language specifically? For one, the Greek alphabet is the basis for many European languages and has several real-world applications. If your student is interested in the Greek language or culture, or just wants to expand the knowledge base, check out these 4 reasons to learn Greek online.

1. Learning Greek Makes Your English Better

While Greek may seem like a less practical choice than Mandarin, Hindi, or any of the Romance languages typically offered in middle and high schools, it has a number of unique benefits. Many English words, particularly scientific terminology, have Greek roots. 

Learning Greek online will exponentially expand any English-speaking student’s vocabulary in their first language; when they come across words they don’t recognize while reading the news, literature, or scientific texts, they will be able to make far more educated guesses as to their meanings and will be better equipped to engage with these materials.

2. Greek is the Language of the Classics

Greek is also an excellent choice for any child with an existing passion for drama, the theater, or mythology and legends. While contemporary Greek is, of course, a different language than the Ancient Greek of classical texts, the Greek pantheon, and other ancient legends can be an easy access point for getting kids excited about learning the contemporary language.

And if they have a true interest in Classics, learning modern Greek will give them an edge if and when they decide they want to be able to read Homer in the original ancient Greek.

3. Contemporary Relevance of Greek

Greek, as one of the oldest Indo-European languages in existence, has an incredibly powerful history. Naturally, most people think first of Ancient Greek civilization and the great dramas, philosophies, and works of art produced therein. But the nation of Greece and its language are far from a thing of antiquity. 

Greek is spoken all over the world and is an incredibly multicultural language that spans differences in ethnicity, religion, and nationality. As part of comprehensive education, it is critical that students engage with the history of immigration and Diaspora, and the history of the Greek Diaspora is a rich and complex one. This is just one amongst the many more contemporary historical issues that learning Greek online will expose your child to.

4. Acquiring a Second Alphabet

According to a study sourced from the Society for Neuroscience by Science Daily, the acquisition of a new writing system has tangible effects on the reading brain. Because Greek requires learning a new system of letters, it provides an additional challenge to the already difficult task of learning a new language. But that means the benefits of language study, including better memory function and problem-solving abilities, will also be multiplied.

Learn Greek Online with LanguageBird

Being exposed to other languages and cultures is vital for a child’s personal and academic development. Download this free guide today and learn how we can provide your child with the immersive online language experience that will set them up for academic and career success.