My grandmother read fairy tales to me
in an academic Greek, once the official language,
no longer common, but not exactly defunct.
I still have the book.
After she died, I read it to the neighbourhood strays,
the grey tabby could only bear it for so long
before wandering off. But she listened and looked attentive,
long enough for me to understand the animals,
did not look out for the good girls in the woods.
καθουρευουοσα, ναι?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in Crete and travelling around, I remember sitting at the bus stop with old women asking questions in mostly Ancient Greek and they understood me because of Katharevousa.
Yes, Susan. Great story. I love its lyricism, but don't speak it even though I was educated in it for a few years. I briefly travelled with a friend who knew enough Ancient Greek to communicate with Greeks who had their schooling in Katharevousa, too.
ReplyDeleteI just love this one, I picture it so well.
ReplyDelete