Chapter 3 - Notes Flashcards
How many letters does the Greek alphabet have?
The Greek alphabet has twenty-four letters.
What is a diphthong?
A diphthong is two vowels that produce one sound.
What is an improper diphthong?
An improper diphthong is made up of a vowel and an iota subscript. An iota subscript is a small ι written under the vowels α, η, or ω (ᾳ, ῃ, ῳ) and normally is the last letter in a word. This ι has no effect on the pronunciation but is essential for translation.
What is a diaeresis?
In some words you will find two vowels that normally form a diphthong, but in the case of these words do not. A diaeresis (̈)(Ἠσαϊας) shows that these two vowels are pronounced as two separate sounds.
What is a gamma nasal?
Gamma (γ) usually has a hard “g” sound, as in “get.” However, when it is immediately followed by γ, κ, χ, or ξ, it is pronounced as a “n.”
When are breathing marks used?
Every word beginning with a vowel or ρ has a breathing mark.
What is a rough breathing mark?
The rough breathing is a ̔ placed over the initial vowel and adds an “h” sound to the word. The word ὑπερ is pronounced “huper.” Every word that begins with a ρ or υ takes a rough breathing.
What is a smooth breathing mark?
The smooth breathing is a ̓ and is not pronounced. The word ἀποστολος is pronounced “apostolos.”
What are the two special situations for breathing marks?
- If a word begins with a capital single vowel, the breathing is placed before the vowel (e.g., Ἰσαακ).
- If a word begins with a diphthong, the breathing mark is placed over the second vowel of the diphthong (αἰτεω, Αἰγυπτος).
