Ancient Greek language

Ancient Greek language,  Video

The language and style of Thucydides, with Jeffrey Rusten

We are pleased to share the following video in which Jeffrey Rusten, of Cornell University, provides some suggestions on how to analyze the language of Thucydides, different types of sentence structure, patterns of contrast and comparison, the use of phrases, and word order. He demonstrates a method of visualizing the structure of a sentence through the use of layout. He also discusses the style of Thucydides compared with other Greek… Read more

Ancient Greek language,  Word Study

Using Logeion: Quick Guide

Here at Kosmos Society we have been continuing our exploration of the digital tools that help us in the translation study groups and for carrying out word searches and word studies. Many of us have made use of Logeion, for both Greek and Latin. This online reference has a number of useful features, and provides access to lexicons and dictionaries in a selection of languages other than English. It also… Read more

Ancient Greek language,  Reading Homer

Homeric Greek | Odyssey 1.255–266: Wish or condition?

We are pleased to share this segment in the series on reading Homeric epic in ancient Greek. In each installment we read, translate, and discuss a small passage in the original Greek in the most accessible way. If you’ve ever dreamed of reading Homer in the original, here is your chance to do so with teachers who have spent a lifetime thinking about this poetry. With their guidance even new… Read more

Ancient Greek language,  Reading Homer

Reading Homeric poetry without a safety net

In this video Leonard Muellner, Gregory Nagy, and Douglas Frame talk about the experience of reading Homer together without doing any preparations, as a playful and open-minded activity. Over the coming weeks we will be sharing further segments of the series on reading Homeric epic in ancient Greek. In each installment they read, translate, and discuss a small passage in the original Greek in the most accessible way. If you’ve… Read more

Ancient Greek language,  Reading Homer

Reading Homer aloud: pronunciation, rhythm, enjambments

In this video, Keith Stone asks Gregory Nagy, Leonard Muellner, and Douglas Frame about reading Homeric poetry aloud. Topics include: pronunciation and its changes through time; pausing at enjambments; mastering the rhythm by memorizing passages; fixed metrical patterns; rhythm built into the language; predictability of ends of hexameter lines. Examples taken from:[1] Odyssey 1.187–193 (enjambments): ξεῖνοι δʼ ἀλλήλων πατρώιοι εὐχόμεθʼ εἶναι ἐξ ἀρχῆς, εἴ πέρ τε γέροντʼ εἴρηαι ἐπελθὼν Λαέρτην… Read more