This course introduces students to Modern Greek as a historical, social and communicative phenomenon. It examines the formation of Standard Modern Greek, the Greek language question, linguistic developments during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and different registers and varieties of discourse. Particular attention is paid to vocabulary, meaning, syntax, punctuation and language use. Through the analysis of authentic texts, students develop linguistic awareness and the ability to critically examine language choices in different communicative contexts. The course provides an essential foundation for translation and interpreting studies by exploring the relationships between language, society and culture.

The course aims to familiarise students with Modern Greek as a historically developed and socially differentiated linguistic system.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• describe the main characteristics of Modern Greek and its historical development over the past two centuries;
• distinguish between different levels, registers and styles of discourse;
• analyse lexical, semantic and syntactic choices in different textual contexts;
• identify common language problems, ambiguities and instances of unclear expression;
• assess the role of syntax and punctuation in the construction of meaning;
• recognise the relationships between language, society and ideology;
• critically examine authentic Greek-language texts belonging to different genres.

Week 1: What is Modern Greek today? Linguistic variation, Standard Modern Greek, standard language and actual language use.

Week 2: From Katharevousa to Standard Modern Greek. The Greek language question, Katharevousa and Demotic Greek, and the formation of the modern standard language.

Week 3: The history of Greek in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Major developments, education, the state and language, and representative texts.

Week 4: Written and spoken language. Characteristics, conventions, and differences in structure and style.

Week 5: Registers and styles of discourse. Formal and informal language; journalistic, administrative, academic and literary discourse.

Week 6: Vocabulary and meaning. Word meaning and usage, polysemy and the role of context.

Week 7: Loanwords and foreign influences. Historical and contemporary influences, borrowings from European languages and issues of linguistic adaptation.

Week 8: Synonyms and semantic nuances. Lexical choices, stylistic differences and examples from various types of discourse.

Week 9: Common language errors. Lexical and syntactic problems, usage issues and a critical approach to linguistic rules.

Week 10: Syntax and clarity. Sentence structure, ambiguity, unclear expression and strategies for improving clarity.

Week 11: Punctuation as a means of constructing meaning. Basic principles, punctuation and interpretation, examples from literary and non-literary texts.

Week 12: Language and ideology. Linguistic choices and values, public discourse and representations.

Week 13: Revision workshop. Comprehensive review, discussion of examples and preparation for the final assessment.

Core Bibliography
• Kopidakis, Michalis Z. (ed.), Ιστορία της ελληνικής γλώσσας [History of the Greek Language], Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece.
• Babiniotis, Georgios, Λεξικό των δυσκολιών και των λαθών στη χρήση της ελληνικής γλώσσας [Dictionary of Difficulties and Errors in Greek Usage].

Supplementary Bibliography
• Mackridge, Peter, Η νεοελληνική γλώσσα. Περιγραφική ανάλυση της νεοελληνικής κοινής [The Modern Greek Language: A Descriptive Analysis of Standard Modern Greek].
• Mackridge, Peter, David Holton and Irene Philippaki-Warburton, Γραμματική της ελληνικής γλώσσας [Grammar of the Greek Language].

The course combines lectures, guided analysis of authentic texts, classroom discussion and commentary on linguistic examples drawn from public discourse, the press, literature and digital media. Active student participation and critical reflection on language use are encouraged.

Digital teaching materials and online resources are used for the presentation and analysis of texts. The OpenCourses platform is used to provide teaching materials and facilitate communication with students.

Final written examination (100%). The examination may include short questions assessing understanding of key concepts, commentary on linguistic phenomena, identification of registers and stylistic features, analysis of short authentic texts, and identification and discussion of linguistic choices.