Ancient Greek Grammar - Indirect Speech

How the Greeks managed to say "I have discovered that fizzy drinks are bad for my teeth"

What you'll learn

Learn what indirect speech is in English

Learn about the "that" construction in Greek

Learn about the infinitive construction in Greek indirect speech

Learn about the participle construction in Greek indirect speech

Requirements

Basic Ancient Greek

Description

“Indirect statement” is the technical name for something that native speakers of English have been using as far back as they can remember. “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” I am told that two and two make four.” “I have discovered that fizzy drinks are bad for my teeth.” This kind of construction can be explained as an utterance in two parts. First, there is a verb of reporting or believing or perception (eg – I know). Second, there is a statement of alleged fact (eg – my Redeemer liveth). These two parts are then linked with a subordinating conjunction (“that”), showing how the second part follows from the first.Greek has exactly the same construction as we use in English – ὁ Σωκράτης λέγει ὅτι ὁ γέρων σοϕώτατός ἐστιν. It also has two other constructions that we use in English, though less often than in Greek. These are the accusative and infinitive construction (We hold these truths to be self-evident), and the participle construction (I see myself as being the most handsome teacher in England).This short course begins by explaining the grammar with English examples, and then goes to a fairly comprehensive explanation of how the grammar works in Greek, giving a number of examples and exercises.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Greek Indirect Statement 02 Subordinating Conjunction

Lecture 2 Greek Indirect Statement 02 Subordinating Conjunction

Section 3: Greek Indirect Statement 03 Infinitive Construction

Lecture 3 Greek Indirect Statement 03 Infinitive Construction

Section 4: Greek Indirect Statement 04 Participle Construction

Lecture 4 Greek Indirect Statement 04 Participle Construction

Section 5: Greek Indirect Statement 05 Summary and Examples

Lecture 5 Greek Indirect Statement 05 Summary and Examples

Beginner and intermediate Ancient Greek