Greek
The Blind Eternities forum
Posted on Feb. 27, 2017, 6:14 p.m. by Homura_Akemi
Hi! I have the option of taking Greek at my school, which I would totally go for because I love learning new languages and speaking them, but there would be the negative consequence of having to put off science for a year, which is one of my favorite subjects and the subject that I plan to go into work for, so it would be significant for me to miss a year of it. Do any of you know the practical applications of benefits of taking Greek, especially if I am heading into a scientific career like neuroscience or biochemistry?
PhotogenicParasympathetic says... #3
Greek won't help much with scientific nomenclature, as that's mostly done in Latin. However, it can help (a small bit) your math, since higher math uses a lot of Greek letters.
If you're looking for a language with practical applications, Greek isn't it (unless you're planning to move to Greece). German and Spanish would both be better, and French as well. Chinese, Japanese, and Russian are also relatively decent options.
February 27, 2017 7:10 p.m.
PhotogenicParasympathetic says... #4
Mandarin Chinese over Cantonese, although both are reasonable.
February 27, 2017 7:10 p.m.
I'd have to agree with Zaueski, focus on your major. Learning other languages is a really good idea, but I would recommend treating it as an extra-curricular activity.
Unless you're planning on studying in a non-english speaking country, there's not a huge amount that learning an additional language will add to your studies (at least if you're looking at going into a science background).
February 27, 2017 7:29 p.m.
If you put Science off for a year then you are putting yourself a year behind everyone else.
That extra year's experience could be the difference between getting a job or not in the long term.
February 27, 2017 8:05 p.m.
Homura_Akemi says... #7
Thanks so much for the input! I'm going to stick to science after hearing more about Greek from this thread, and overall it does just seem like a fun thing to do, not a serious class to take for a future career, but more of a hobby. I really appreciate the input from all of you! Thanks again!
Zaueski says... #2
Greek and Latin are closely related, I am currently learning Kunai Greek (It's a dialect from 2000 years ago) and its pretty fun but it is useless outside of translating the Bible. As for practical applications the most it could do is teach you what your fancy science words mean and you'd be better off for the most part just continuing your major imho.
February 27, 2017 7:05 p.m.