Whoops, I think I am in the wrong place. I had seen an interesting conversation in the past day or two, which took place earlier this year, in June 2012, which was a thread on learning Ancient Greek. I decided to join this place, as the conversation seemed quite friendly and helpful.
So, tell me I am in the wrong spot, which I must be, as there is no choice for classical Greek in the languages.
That former thread had to do with a fellow seeking feedback on various Greek primers/introductions, from those oriented to Homer, to classical Greek. NT Greek grammars were not much present. His brother or brother in law wanted to learn, and this fellow, who likes languages, was going to help him.
I was interested in hearing folks thoughts about the various Greek introductions which are used, from the Homeric Greek books like Schoder and Horrigan, and Pharr(and Beetham), to the more numerous Attic Greek books like Hansen and Quinn, the newer Vernhes, and Mastronarde, Luschnig(I know one Latinist who uses her book for teaching Greek and likes it), and Wilding/Shelmerdine, Chase and Phillips, and the JACT course, Athenaze.
I had two quarters of NT Greek, which was a great joy, and yet I am rusty and have had to carry on my own self. In doing so I plow, or perhaps stumble may be a better word along in the NT and in the LXX, using lexicon and also I like Zerwick/Grosvenor, and so I find this to be good. However, I am in need of a review of grammar. And, I am at such a place that while I can derive good from ‘intermediate’ books, I really would be well, I think, to settle on a primer and go through it.
I enjoyed reading Dr. Harris’ thoughts, him at Middlebury, but I find that grammar study is needful, even though just plowing along in a text has much value. He was for starting with Homer, and I liked Pharr’s arguments in his book, although turning back and forth is quite a chore. Also, while using an old copy of Goodwin’s grammar that I found is informative, the lacking I have in a sound grasp of the multi variegated Greek verb, or the declensions and the participles, I mean the forms is a problem that needs repair, afore I am able to take more advantage of the standard grammars.
So if the tutor has some thoughts about this I would be interested to read them. I am pretty much decided to start with Homer, but I do want to hear folks’ thoughts about the Attic grammars, and how and why any one who is using them likes them or does not like them.