Ioannis Yiomelakis

Ioannis Yiomelakis

Australia

I lived in Greece for 16 years in a small town, by the beach, called Neapolis (south of Sparta).

• Currently completing my Masters in European languages (Macquarie University)
• Bachelor of Arts – Modern and Ancient Greek, History, Philosophy (Macquarie University)
• High School Year 12 (Neapolis – Greece)

My achievements -

• Awarded the Order of Ahepa Prize for Excellence in Modern Greek
• 1st prize for best essay in Mythology
• Finished with a G.P.A. of 90.8

My teaching style -

Language defines people - Plato

Language is the agent that, once properly studied, can open up the doors to worlds of unimaginable beauty. By studying any language you open yourself up to different ideas and cultures, and to a better understanding of the world.

People come to study Greek for practical reasons; traveling to Greece, being able to converse in the language of their partner and his/her family etc. But by the time the course ends, they leave with a deeper knowledge of the philosophical/historical foundations of the Greek language. Most importantly they leave with an understanding and more respect for the English language.

To learn a language is about practice. The students create a foundation of grammatical rules and vocabulary that allows them to progress and slowly but steadily understand and speak the language properly.

While both reading, writing and speaking elements are studied, there is an emphasis on the spoken element of the language. Interaction is vital.

I have my own weekly radio program at a Greek community radio station, on a voluntary basis. Language, history and philosophy are some of the subjects discussed. I also teach Modern Greek at Macquarie University.