lesbiassparrow

...anyone who reads this is ever planning on learning modern Greek: do not attempt under any circumstances to do so using "Teach Yourself Greek." This book and CD set claim they 'are the proven way to learn a language' but they lie! They are, in fact, the proven way to despair and madness. And shrieking cries of 'where is that track on the CD? I can't find it!'

I know some ancient Greek so the alphabet isn't offputing (or the grammar) but still this method managed to instill in me tedium, horror, and other strong emotions which were unpleasant. Why? Because it is not actually a method, more a flinging at you of various conversations about languages, being tired, wanting your work load reduced, etc., that make no sense at an introductory level. What I really want to learn is how to say 'where is...' and 'excuse me, can you tell me how I get too..." and (if my last trip to Italy is any indication) "please don't arrest me as I didn't know I wasn't supposed to walk in here, what with the total lack of signs in any language saying 'official personnel only.'" Well, maybe the last I should work up on my own.

I shall use my Irbe icon for this because he comforts me in dark hours of linguistic despair.