Cypriot Greek

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Origin
• Characteristics
• Historical Use
• Vocabulary
• Phrases
• Current State
• Learning Cypriot Greek
• Quiz

Note: Click the speaker icon (🔊) to hear the pronunciation. Icons in headings read only the section title and open the tab without scrolling. Icons in content read the entire section text in English, excluding Cypriot Greek words or phrases with separate icons. Cypriot Greek words are read alone in Greek. Audio stops if the same or another button is clicked. 🔊

Introduction 🔊

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Cypriot Greek is a dialect of the Greek language spoken in Cyprus, descending from medieval Greek, not the ancient Cypriot or Arcadocyprian dialects. It differs significantly from Standard Modern Greek in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar, making it challenging for many Greek speakers to understand without familiarity. 🔊

Image depicting Cypriot culture.

Origin 🔊

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Cypriot Greek descends from medieval Greek, not the ancient Arcadocyprian dialect, which was a descendant of Mycenaean Greek. The Greek language has been spoken in Cyprus since the 12th century BC. 🔊

Archaeological artifacts from Cyprus.

Characteristics 🔊

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Cypriot Greek differs significantly from Standard Modern Greek in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. Some linguists consider it a separate language within the Greek family due to its limited mutual intelligibility. 🔊

Example of Cypriot cultural expression.

Historical Use 🔊

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Before the Turkish invasion of 1974, Cypriot Greek was the common language of communication on the island, used even by Turkish Cypriots. It served as a unifying medium in daily interactions. 🔊

Historical representation of Cyprus.

Vocabulary 🔊

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The vocabulary of Cypriot Greek includes unique words that differ from Standard Modern Greek. Below are examples of single words. 🔊

Εν

Meaning: No
Standard Greek: Όχι
🔊

Πούποτε

Meaning: Nowhere
Standard Greek: Πουθενά
🔊

Representation of Cypriot Greek vocabulary.

Phrases 🔊

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Cypriot Greek features unique phrases that reflect its cultural identity. Below are some characteristic expressions. 🔊

• Greeting: Τί κάμνεις ρε πελέ μου, ούλα καλά? (What are you doing, my friend, all is well?) 🔊
  Standard Greek: Τι κάνεις ρε φίλε μου, όλα καλά?
• Dismissal: Λάμνε αρώτα (Ask elsewhere) 🔊
  Standard Greek: Ρώτα αλλού
• Impossibility: Όι Άππαρο με την βάκλαν (Impossible to do) 🔊
  Standard Greek: Αδύνατον να γίνει

Cypriot Greek phrases in use.

Current State 🔊

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Cypriot Greek remains vibrant in Cyprus, though its use is mostly limited to informal settings. Younger generations tend to use Standard Modern Greek in formal contexts, but the dialect persists in daily conversations, songs, and cultural events. 🔊

Modern Cypriot community.

Learning Cypriot Greek 🔊

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Learning Cypriot Greek is possible through cultural immersion and resources like YouTube videos. Below is an example phrase. 🔊

Learning Cypriot Greek through cultural resources.

Example: Το πουλίν επέτασε

Cypriot Greek: Το πουλίν επέτασε 🔊

Meaning: Throw the bird

Explanation

The phrase Το πουλίν επέτασε is a Cypriot expression meaning to throw or release something, often used metaphorically. 🔊

Source: YouTube Video

Quiz 🔊

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Test Your Knowledge!

What is the primary origin of Cypriot Greek?

Arcadocyprian dialect 🔊 Medieval Greek 🔊 Mycenaean Greek 🔊

Vocabulary Exercise

Select the correct meaning for the word:

Cypriot Greek: Εν 🔊

Select Meaning No Yes Maybe

Cypriot Greek: Πούποτε 🔊

Select Meaning Nowhere Somewhere Everywhere

Read More

• Cypriot Greek - Wikipedia 🔊
• Video on the Cypriot Dialect 🔊

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