Language Fact File: Greek
Spoken in: Greece, Greek Cyprus, Southern Albania, Calabria and Salento (Italy)and other regions of the Balkans, Black Sea coast, Asia Minor and Eastern Mediterranean.
Number of native speakers: 13.5 million
Learn some: Greet your Greek friends in the morning with ‘καλημέρα!’ (kalimera) and in the evening with ‘καλησπέρα!’ (kalispera).
Interesting facts:
- The longest word in Greek has a whopping 185 characters! It is ‘lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphioparaomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossyphophattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon’, a fictional dish created by the writer Aristophenes in 391BC. It is the longest word ever to appear in literature.
- Greek is one of the oldest languages in Europe. There are written records of the language dating back 3,400 years. Its alphabet formed the basis for the Latin, Cyrillic and Coptic alphabets – and in fact, the word ‘alphabet’ is from the Greek ‘alpha’ and ‘beta’, the first two letters.
- Greek is the only language in its category, the Hellenic category. This is very unusual; even the small Celtic category, for example, has four in the group (Manx, Irish, Scottish and Welsh). This means that, despite being such a huge influence in Europe, there are no languages similar to Greek.
The Language Shop (tls) provides support in any language you may need, including many of the rarer ones. Please speak to your account manager about your requirements.
The Linguists' Story (tls): Alessandra Jácome, Brazilian Portuguese interpreter
At The Language Shop (tls), we are proud of the fact that the work we do for public sector organisations and charities has a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people who otherwise would not be able to access vital health, education and justice services.
In our regular feature, ‘The Linguists’ Story’, we get to know tls interpreters and translators and find out how they’ve helped those in need. This month (September 2023) we meet Alessandra Jácome, a Brazilian Portuguese interpreter:
Tell us about the work you do for TLS.
I've been working for tls as a Brazilian Portuguese interpreter for 8 years in different areas of London.
What has been your biggest challenge?
As a Brazilian Portuguese interpreter I believe our challenge is to adjust to different dialects. I am originally from Brazil but I am still always learning about how different cultures influence a variety of vocabulary.
Can you tell us about a time your work has made a difference to someone’s life?
It's obvious that being a non-English speaker in the UK for many people is not always comfortable so it's nice to be able to diminish the anguish of those who count on us, interpreters, to sort out their daily issues in a confidential way.
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
As a hobby I do sewing and knitting. When I was younger my dream was to become a dressmaker. I guess I still have time to fulfil that dream!
Tell us something interesting about you.
I'm learning the Italian language now as I'm also an Italian citizen. I'm learning it through its cuisine as I love the simple and tasty Italian way of cooking. But Brazilian cuisine is definitely still the one for me.
What are your ambitions for the next 12 months?
My goal is to be a fluent Italian speaker so I can expand my language skills even further.
If you are a tls linguist and would like to be profiled, or know someone else who would, please get in touch by emailing zainub.patel@newham.gov.uk.
November 2023 language and cultural dates for your diary
Religious/cultural
1 – Samhain: A Pagan and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season
1 – All Saints Day/Feast of the All Saints: A day to honor all holy men and women who have been canonized in the Catholic Church
2 – Anniversary of the Crowning of Haile Selassie: The day when Haile Selassie ascended the Ethiopian throne. This is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian year
All Souls’ Day, Christian
Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I, Rastafari
9 – Feast of the Dedication of the Archbasilica, Catholic Christian
12 – Diwali: A 5-day festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It honors gods, goddesses, harvests, New Years, etc.
15 – Nativity Fast begins, Orthodox Christian
19 – Chhath Puja, Hindu
21 – Presentation of the Theotokos, Orthodox Christian
23 – Thanksgiving (US Independence)
24 – Martyrdom of Guru Tegh, Bahadur Sikh
26 – Feast of Christ the King, Christian
Day of the Covenant, Baha’i
27 – Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday: A day commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Ji who founded Sikhism
27 – Jain New Year: A day celebrated on the first day after the month of Kartika.
28 – Ascension of Abdu’l–Bahá, Baha’i
30 – St. Andrew’s Feast Day (patron saint of Scotland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Barbados, and Romania), Christian
Awareness Events
Movember – Men’s Health Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers’ Month
National Diabetes Month
National Career Development Month
2 – National Stress Awareness Day
5 – World Tsunami Awareness Day
6-10 – Talk Money Week
Living Wage Week
8 – Intersex Day of Solidarity
9 – International Day against Fascism and AntiSemitism
9 – World Adoption Day
10 – World Science Day for Peace and Development
11 – Armistice Day
12 – Remembrance Sunday
12-19 – UK Inter Faith Week
13 – World Kindness Day
13-19 Transgender Awareness Week
14 – World Diabetes Day
16 – International Day for Tolerance
16 Nov-15 Dec – Disability History Month
19 – International Men’s Day
20 – World Children’s Day
Transgender Day of Remembrance
23 – Carers Rights Day
24 – National Day of Listening
25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
28 – Giving Tuesday
The Language Shop (tls) charity case study: Carers First
Carers First works directly with and for carers, providing personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them, helping them find balance and to live their lives to the fullest.
The Language Shop (tls) has been working with charity Carers First since 2017. We provide interpreters who have experience in dealing with a full range of complex situations 24/7/365 face-to-face or remotely, which is vital for the charity and their clients.
Renée Lindsay, Team Lead, Carers First, says:
“The Language Shop (tls) has been a key service which we have collaborated with regularly to provide support to carers by removing any barriers to communication.
“They are incredibly accessible and easy to use, with interpreters that can provide support on-demand, on the phone or in person. tls has provided a service that is invaluable to us and we cannot recommend them enough.”
tls shares the same values as charities like Carers First and works with some of the UK's largest third sector organisations to meet the language needs of their clients.
October 2023 language and cultural dates for your diary
Religious/cultural
30 Sept-6 Oct – Sukkot - Judaism
The first day (and first and second days in the Diaspora) are celebrated as full holidays with prohibitions against work. The following days are called Chol Hamoed (weekdays of the festival), during which work is generally allowed and observances of Sukkot continue. This is followed by Shemini Atzeret (the “Eighth Day of Assembly”) and Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing in Torah”), which are celebrated as one day in Israel and two days in the Diaspora.
4 – Baptism of the Prophet (Umm al-Qura) - Islam
6-8 – Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah - Judaism
12 – Bandi Chhor Divas - Sikhism
15-24 – Navaratri: A Hindu festival celebrating the Goddess Durga
16 – Birth of the Bab: A day honoring the birthday of a co-founder of the Baha’i faith
17 – Birth of Baha’u’llah: One of the nine holy days in the Baha’i faith that honors the birthday of one of the co-founders
20 – Birth of the Guru Granth - Sikhism
24 – Dussehra: The final day of 10 Hindu holy days that honors Asuj Navratras
23 – Vijayadasham - Hinduism
31 – All Hallows’ Eve / All Saints' Eve - Christianity
31 – Samhain (end of harvest/beginning of winter) - Pagan
Awareness And Events
Black History Month
3 – The Children's Trust's Pyjama Day (find out more about our work with the charity)
5 – World Teachers Day
10 – World Mental Health Day
10 – National Braille Week
12 – World Sight Day
18 – World Menopause Day
22 – International Stuttering/Stammering Day
22 – Wear Red Day (Show racism the red card)
The Linguists' Story (tls): Florence Vandam, freelance remote interpreter
At The Language Shop (tls), we are proud of the fact that the work we do for public sector organisations and charities has a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people who otherwise would not be able to access vital health, education and justice services.
In our regular feature, ‘The Linguists’ Story’, we get to know tls interpreters and translators and find out how they’ve helped those in need. This month (September 2023) we meet Florence Vandam, a freelance remote interpreter in Spanish, French and English:
What's been your favourite project at TLS?
My favourite project has been working in sexual therapy, as it was a completely new territory for me and a very interesting subject, but I like all projects as TLS is the most organised interpreting agency I know.
What has been your biggest challenge?
A common challenge is when the service provider or client has an old phone/laptop where the sound is not that great anymore, or their connection is not stable, or if someone is quite antsy and moves around while they speak, it can affect the sound/connection on their side as well.
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
I really like my current job because I like knowing that my work helps people, so I think I would be a therapist. I have a keen interest in Jungian therapy and CBT. I also love music. I play guitar and ukulele, and know so many lyrics by heart, in English, French, Spanish, but also some in Portuguese, Italian and German! I have a knack for parroting it seems. So maybe a musician. But I can still do that in my spare time anyway!
Tell us something interesting about you.
My mother is Argentinian and my father is French, and I grew up in both countries, so I can speak both languages to a native standard!
If you could meet someone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Although there are many famous figures whose work I admire, there isn't anybody I would like to meet in particular. Most if not all questions about them, personal or professional, have already been answered. All humans are interesting in my opinion, famous or not, so I am eager to keep meeting people of all walks of life!
What are your ambitions for the next 12 months?
On a professional level, I would like to continue working for TLS, and would also like to complete a DipTrans qualification to be able to get more translation work as well. I am looking into Cousera too, to see if there is anything that I can learn about that relates to interpreting or translation in some way, so it can open more doors for me to be able to help even more people.
On a personal level, I am currently reducing my thyroid medication by changing my lifestyle and would like to reach a point where I can live without the need for any medication at all. After that, I would like to write and record an album!
If you are a tls linguist and would like to be profiled, or know someone else who would, please get in touch by emailing zainub.patel@newham.gov.uk.
September 2023 language and cultural dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
25th – Yom Kippur, Jewish
A festival of atonement, Yom Kippur is the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. It is marked by a 25-hour fast, continuous prayer and abstention from wearing leather shoes, make up or perfume.
23rd – International Day of Sign Languages
This UN awareness day is celebrated during the International Week of the Deaf (the last full week of September each year). It promotes the use of sign language as central to Deaf people’s human rights, and celebrates the diversity of sign languages and Deaf culture worldwide.
28th – Meskel, Ethiopian Orthodox
Meskel marks the 4th century discovery of the crucifixion cross in Jerusalem. Celebrants hold a big bonfire in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa. Worshippers from different churches across Ethiopia gather, wearing colours that represent their churches and playing musical instruments, each of which holds special meaning.
This month’s dates at a glance
Religious/cultural
7 – Krishna Janmashtami, Hindu
8 – Feast of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Christian
Nativity of The Theotokos, Orthodox Christian
11 – Paryushana Parvarambha begins, Jain
14 – Feast of the Cross, Christian
16-17 – Rosh Hashanah, Judaism
18 – Fast of Gedaliah, Judaism
19 – Ganesh Chaturthi, Hindu
Samvatsari, Jain
21 – Feast of Saint Matthew, Christian
23 – Mabon, Wicca and Pagan
25 – Yom Kippur, Judaism
27 – Mawlid Al-Nabi, Islam
28 – Meskel, Ethiopian Orthodox Christian
Anant Chaturdashi, Hindu
29 – Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, Christian
30 Sept-6 Oct – Sukkot, Judaism
Awareness And Events
5 – International Day of Charity
10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
18 – International Equal Pay Day
Professional Care Workers Week
19 – International Week of the Deaf
Adult Learners Week
21 – World Alzheimer’s Day
23 – Autumn Equinox
23 – International Day of Sign Languages
25 Sept-1 Oct – UK National Inclusion Week
30 Sept – National Non-Verbal Awareness Day UK
Focus on: Lughnasadh, Wicca and Pagan/Lammas, Christian, 1st August
What: Traditionally a Celtic harvest festival but later adopted and renamed by Christianity.
Why: Lughnasadh marks the first day of autumn, the first fruits of the year and the beginning of darker, shorter days.
How: Traditionally, rural communities would get together in large numbers, perform matchmaking ceremonies, participate in ritual sports contests, climb mountains, feast, dance and trade. It was a way to lift spirits during a hungry time of year when the spring and early summer harvests were over but the late summer harvest was not ready to eat. Nowadays, some traditions remain, such as fairs in Ireland and mountain hikes, and neopagans have reclaimed the date.
We always love to hear from customers about their own celebrations. Please get in touch if you have observed any of August's festivals and would like to share stories or photos with us!
August 2023 dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
13th-15th – Obon
This is the Buddhist celebration of ancestors. During Obon, it is thought that the dead visit the living, so celebrants hang out lanterns to guide spirits, perform dances, visit graves and make food offerings to the dead. Mainly celebrated in Japan, Obon is one of the country’s three major holidays.
23rd – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
This day was started by Haitians and people in Gorée Island, Senegal, and then adopted by UNESCO. The date was chosen to commemorate uprisings in Haiti in 1791, led by the now legendary Toussaint Louverture, and the touchpaper for other uprisings, all of which eventually led to abolition of the Transatlantic trade. Find out more and download resources on the UNESCO site.
30th – Raksha Bandhan, Hindu/Sikh/Jain
Raksha Bandhan is tradition honouring the love and bond between siblings, referencing a legend showing love and devotion between Lord Krishna and his sister. Siblings tie a ‘rakhri’ (red thread bracelet) to each other’s wrists. This symbolises protection.
This month’s dates at a glance
Religious/Cultural
1 – Lammas, Christian
Lughnasadh, Wicca and Pagan
Fast in Honour of the Holy Mother of The Lord Jesus, Orthodox Christian
2 – The 15th of Av, Judaism
6 – Feast of Transfiguration, Christian
Transfiguration of The Lord, Orthodox Christian
10 – Feast of Saint Lawrence, Christian
13-15- Obon, Buddhist
15 – Assumption of Mary, Catholic Christian
Dormition of The Theotokos, Orthodox Christian
22 – Feast of The Queenship of Mary, Catholic Christian
24 – Feast of Saint Bartholomew The Apostle, Christian
29 – Beheading of Saint John The Baptist, Christian
30 – Raksha Bandhan, Hindu
Awareness And Events
9 – International Day of The World’s Indigenous People
19 – World Humanitarian Day
22 – International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
23 – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Rare Language Fact File: Chambri
Native to: East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
Number of native speakers: Approximately 800
Spoken by: The Chambri people
Learn some: Greet Chambri people in the morning by saying ‘yabke karembi’, and after lunch with ‘yabke kabantamp’.
Interesting facts:
- The Chambri were historically war-like and had a reputation as hunters of people. However, they had good trade relations with their neighbouring tribes, such as the Iatmul, who would provide food in exchange for handmade tools. When the Iatmul started to use mass-produced tools, the Chambri were forced to flee their ancestral land, fearing they no longer had a use for the larger, also warlike Iatmul tribe. They returned in the early twentieth century after peace had been established.
- European anthropologists speculated that women were dominant in Chambri society, as they had responsibility for fishing (the bulk of the Chambri diet) and trade. However, more detailed observation revealed that the sexes operated along strictly divided lines, but were more or less equal in standing – still a very unusual situation!
- Marriage practices reflect this divide: arranged marriage is the norm, but there is no dowry tradition, as the Chambri believe this demeans women. Men arrange the marriages but potential brides have input into the decision, working closely with their male family members to make a good pairing. Siblings act as each other’s main support, negotiating power for the family within the tribe and providing parental input for extended family’s children.
The Language Shop provides support in any language you may need, including many of the rarer ones. Please speak to your account manager about your requirements.