Short story ‘Lydia: A Summer in Greece!’ making it easy for adults to improve Greek language skills

·

For some Greeks, learning the language of their heritage can be a difficult task. Whether, as a child, their parents never encouraged them to learn Greek, or some adults may simply struggle to learn a second language.

Recognising this as a massive issue facing Greek society, OMILO teachers Konstantinos Oikonomou and Terpsi Gavalas wrote a short story titled ‘Lydia: A summer in Greece!’, aimed at helping build on people’s Greek vocabulary skills “gradually” and in a “natural way”.

“Before we started writing the story, we actually thought of the vocabulary and grammar points that a beginner student should be familiar with so that they deal effectively with various everyday life situations when being in Greece,” Konstantinos said to The Greek Herald.

“Then we put all this into context and created our story. We all know that context is a crucial component of successful language acquisition. This is what our reader will benefit from as they will have the chance to revise or learn new things in a pleasant and natural way.”

The story features a Greek-American woman, Lydia, who lives in New York and works as a journalist for a Greek newspaper. During a trip to Greece, Lydia meets a man, Orestis, on the plane. He volunteers to help her with an article she is writing about Athens’ neighbourhoods. After spending some time together in the Greek capital, Orestis asks Lydia to join him on a business trip to the island of Syros, in the Cyclades. The beautiful island of the Aegean Sea becomes the setting for a series of unexpected events.

“To be honest, we didn’t have to think much of the setting of the story: after having spent so many summers teaching Greek on the beautiful island of Syros, we knew before even writing the first phrase that part of the story would definitely take place there. Syros has always been a great source of inspiration to all of us,” Konstantinos said.

The two teachers have been working for many years for OMILO – a school offering classes of Greek language and culture in Athens, Nafplion (Peloponnese) and the islands of Syros and Lefkada. They hope the short story will greatly improve people’s Greek reading and listening skills.

Konstantinos and Terpsi have released Lydia’s story as an e-book and easy-reader, also giving readers a free audiobook to accompany the story, recorded by native speakers.

The pair have also recently announced the release of the Companion Workbook to the easy reader this week, coming with “lots of exercises for all those who wish to get the most out of it, going beyond a simple reading of the story!”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mixed reactions emerge in Greek Australian community over Prime Minister’s cultural remarks

Members of Australia's Greek community have expressed mixed responses to cultural remarks made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Final countdown to the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools’ Olympic spirit

Excitement is building as the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools prepares for its first-ever Olympic Games, set to take place on Saturday.

‘Two Homelands’ documentary to screen in Melbourne and Perth for the first time

After a successful tour of Cyprus, Kay Pavlou’s documentary ‘Two Homelands’ has screened in Darwin and Adelaide.

From Sunday souvlas to family events: A meet-cute tale of two families becoming one

Traditions never really fade; instead, they go through metamorphosis. One that inarguably remains the same: the desire to love and be loved.

Victorian Liberals to focus on working with multicultural communities

On Wednesday, November 13, the Victorian Liberals hosted a media conference with members from the multicultural media.

You May Also Like

Themos Mexis to musically direct the new National Metropolitan Choir of Australia

Popular Greek composer and conductor, Themos Mexis, has been appointed Musical Director of the new National Metropolitan Choir of Australia.

How Nick Politis went from Kythera to becoming one of Australia’s billionaires

Nick Politis is a migrant from Kythera who has helped save rugby league and turned a single car dealership into a $2 billion fortune.

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad applauds Castellorizian Association of NSW for centenary

Greece's Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, has issued a letter to the Castellorizian Association of NSW for centenary.