![]() ![]() These marks are called iota subscripts and technically form diphthongs with the vowel that they occur underneath. Occasionally, you will see a small mark underneath α, η, or ω (ᾳ, ῃ, ῳ). For example, the initial sound of ὑπέρ is “hoo.” ![]() ![]() If the open section of the comma faces right, the mark is called a rough breathing mark, and it adds an “h” sound before the vowel or diphthong.For example, the initial sound of ἄνθρωπος is “ah.” If the open section of the comma faces left, the mark is called a smooth breathing mark, and it doesn’t affect the pronunciation of the vowel.Sometimes, this breathing mark will be combined with another accent mark, on which see below. If a Greek word begins with a single vowel or a diphthong, there will be a breathing mark that looks like a comma above the single vowel or the second letter of the diphthong. (“1st and 2nd declension nominative plural” will likely not make any sense to you right now – don’t worry, you’ll learn more about it soon!) Breathing marks ηυ = ay-ooh (no direct equivalence in English)ĭiphthongs are considered long in pronunciation, but there are two specific diphthongs that will count as short for the purpose of accentuation (on which see below): the final -οι or -αι of the 1st and 2nd declension nominative plural.ευ = eh-ooh (no direct equivalence in English).These are the possible diphthongs in Greek: Vowels may also be combined into diphthongs, a single vowel sound composed of multiple vowels. Often, if such a vowel’s length matters, you will see a macron (-) over the vowel in question to mark it as long. The vowels that can be either short or long are α, ι, and υ.The vowels that are always long are η (a long ε) and ω (a long ο).The vowels that are always short are ε (a short η) and ο (a short ω).This length essentially determines how long it takes to pronounce the vowel and what the vowel sounds like. The vowels in Greek can be classified as long, short, or either. Each is pronounced as two successive consonant sounds: ζ = z + d or d + z (your choice, though I will usually default to z + d) ξ = k + s and ψ = p + s. There are three double consonants: ζ, ξ, and ψ. “Aspirated” comes from the Latin verb aspiro, “to breathe”, so the aspirated letters add a forceful breath (basically a “h” exhalation) to the pronunciation of the core consonant sound: θ = t + h φ = p + h χ = k + h. There are three aspirated letters: θ, φ, and χ. It will be useful to keep these groups in mind, especially when we begin talking about sound combinations in later modules. μ (m) and ν (n) resonate with air coming through the nose.λ (l) and ρ (rh), unlike the plosives, do not restrict or close the vocal pathway.δ (d) is pronounced with the tongue against the back of the front teeth, and so are θ (th) and τ (t).β (b) is pronounced on the lips, and so are π (p) and φ (ph).For example, γ (g) is pronounced in the back of the throat, and so are κ (k) and χ (kh).Note that there are groups of consonants that are related by virtue of where they’re pronounced in the mouth and the shape of the mouth as you pronounce them. So, for example, φάλαγγος is “phalangos.” Consonant groups If you see two gammas in a row (γγ), the pronunciation is “ng”. The video should begin at 3:19, where the demonstrations of writing each letter begin, but you can optionally watch the first part of the video for some context on the Greek alphabet. (short) uh as in “ under” or (long) ooh as in “tr uth”Īnd here is a video from Carleton College Classics that shows how to draw each of these characters. ![]() (short) ih as in “h im” or (long) ee as in “st eel” This site uses Just the Docs, a documentation theme for Jekyll.Īspirated t as in “ table” (unlike the t in “a t” or “ho t”)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |