Yεiα σας (ya sas) – Hello,

Even if this is your first time to Cyprus, I am sure you will have noticed that nearly everyone you meet speaks English. It is the Islands ’second’ language and is taught in schools at all levels.

The locals will appreciate any effort that you make to speak the local ‘lingo’ but you  may find that they reply in English – remember, they are practising their language skills as well.

Sigma (Σ, σ, ς) : There are two forms for the letter Sigma. When written at the end of a word, it is written like this: ς. If it occurs anywhere else, it is written like this: σ.

Ipsilon (u) : pronounce this letter like “u” in “put”.

Xi (ch) : This is the same sound as “ch” in “Bach”, which does not sound like “ch” in “chair”.

Ok, thats enough of the very basic theory, now go and have some fun with the practice -

• Can I have the bill please? – boro na ekho ton logariasmo parakalo;

• Sorry, I don’t speak Greek – Signomi, then milo Ellinika.