Comments for London Language Studio

Comment on Private Czech Classes – The best way to learn Czech by Jeff Lewis

Jeff Lewis — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:48:15 +0000

Dear Sirs

I am keen to learn as much of the Czech language in as short a time as humanly possible. I have a fluent English speaking Czech girlfriend and we are planning to meet her parents in June of this year…. they do not speak any English! I do not wish to have my g/f translating everything for me / them so wish to learn as much as I can. This will make both me and my g/f very happy.

I live in Reading and have fairly good time flexibility. I look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts as to what may be the best route for me

Kind regards

Jeff

Comment on Cypriot Dialect by Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor

Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:19:29 +0000

Dear Sofie, I can imagine how you felt at the wedding; indeed many students come to us with similar problems. They feel out of place in what used to be their parents’ or ancestors’ country despite feeling an irresistible affinity with the place, being of Greek or Cypriot origin. This feeling always comes down to lack of language skills and the inability to understand your own people. And I can only assume you have realised English doesn’t really do the trick.

There is a comment to Androula’s post from one of my tutors who suggested a Greek bookshop in Tufnell Parliament Road, which is the only specialist shop in London. I know Greek Cypriot communities in North London run evening courses if you are thinking about joining a class, and of course, if you are contemplating the idea of getting a private tutor then I would be delighted to help. Our tutors operate within the London area, and if this is where you are based we could help you to start off your Greek and get you on the right track.

I am happy to recommend some good study material if you are thinking about cracking the language yourself; in fact on the website where we list some recommendations of Greek books which are worth investing in. (Unfortunately there are very few worthwhile textbooks at the moment, but these few are good, I use them myself to complement my lessons: http://www.londonlanguagestudio.co.uk/language-resources/ just click on” Greek”. I particularly recommend the Greek Grammar for English Students and Build your Greek Vocabulary, if you are a beginner student.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Alena

Comment on Cypriot Dialect by Sofie Lowe

Sofie Lowe — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:14:12 +0000

Hi Androulla,
I’m exactly the same, I lost my greek when I started school and now married to an englishman I don’t get the opportunity to speak or listen to greek. I’ve just come back from a wedding in Cyprus and I was so embarrassed to even try that I really let myself down and felt silly. Have you had any luck in locating any books or courses?

Comment on Cypriot Dialect by Asimenia Loulaki, LLS tutor

Asimenia Loulaki, LLS tutor — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:53:59 +0000

First of all let’s clarify that Cypriot is a dialect of the Greek language and not a language itself.
If you are interested in learning the language a bit further or improve it, it means you will be based on one grammar and syntax that is common for all, both Greeks from Cyprus and those from mainland Greece.
You can talk to a tutor with regards to having private Greek lessons or join a class. This way you will have a guidance as to what books to use or lessons will be tailored to your needs.
If you feel you want to self learn, then I would recommend you do that at the advance stage. There is a Greek bookshop in tufnell parliament road, the only one in London. There are a few exercise books, novels for all levels and course books. The books available will help you with syntax, grammar, expressions and vocabulary. There is no book for Cypriot dialect apart from a big dictionary, simply because a dialect is an oral way of talking. The best way to learn the differential cypriot words is from Cypriots or visits to Cyprus.

Comment on Mature Students: How easy is it to pick up a new language? by Roderick Nash

Roderick Nash — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:46:19 +0000

Hello Elizabeth,
I am 67 years young English and studying French.
Agree completely listening to Chanson Francaise Piaf/Mathieu Brel/Brassons is a delight, especially on the way to and from class!
Perhaps German followed by Spanish next, who knows.
Cordialement
Roderick
Angleterre

Comment on Cypriot Dialect by Androula Kyriacou

Androula Kyriacou — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:11:45 +0000

I am greek cypriot, however, born in London, I lived in Cyprus until the age of 5 where I was fluent in speaking, reading and writing greek. We then moved back to London at the age of 7 where I learned more English etc. My father who was greek passed away when I was 10 years old (I am now 34) and since then I have lost all knowledge of my greek background. I would very much like to speak fluent again as I do regularly go to Cyprus and was rather embarrassed being greek not being able to communicate….I was wondering what dictionary or greek language book would be most close to the greek cypriot language? I would very much appreciate any feedback.

Thank you in anticipation
Androula Kyriacou

Comment on High demand for Czech Tutors by Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor

Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:01:31 +0000

Many thanks Nick and Mark and I appreciate your huge efforts you put into learning Czech!

Comment on High demand for Czech Tutors by Mark Deakin

Mark Deakin — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:46:46 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. I have been with my Czech girlfriend for nearly three years and although I had picked up a few phrases, the actual structure of the language had escaped me. I have had at most 8 lessons at the London Language Studio and I can already feel a massive improvement and now have our Czech friends conversing on Facebook as a result of my Czech Facebook status updates

I highly recommend personal tuition to learn a language!

Comment on Mature Students: How easy is it to pick up a new language? by Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor

Alena Sunavska, LLS tutor — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:15:02 +0000

Many thanks Elisabeth! That is wonderful and I hope our students will find your message inspirational!
Alena

Comment on Mature Students: How easy is it to pick up a new language? by Elizabeth Davies

Elizabeth Davies — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:57:35 +0000

Greetings from New Zealand. I am 83 and studying Spanish at university and have just 3 papers to complete to achieve my B.A. I speak German [ intermediate] – French [advanced] Italian [ beginner/ intermediate level 1] – I am just about to tackle Norwegian and Welsh which is the language of my paternal ancestors. I mention these languages because I firmly believe that age exists only in the mind – a few wrinkles here and there do not matter. I often start a study session by playing the music of the country of the language for a few moments which makes the right lobe kick in and work harmoniously with the left. Hope that doesn’t sound too weird – it works!! Best wishes to all Elizabeth