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“Από τραγούδια λαϊκά έμαθα τα ελληνικά”  means “I learned Greek from folk and popular songs,” and is from lyricist Sotia Tsotou. The quote was popularized by Stelios Kazantzidis in his song ‘Εγώ είμαι πρόσφυγα παιδί’. But is that really possible to learn Greek by listening to music? Yes, listening to music can help learn languages because melody and repetition in music makes it easier to remember words and phrases, but a real language class is necessary to learn grammar.

Ellie Falaris Ganelin shares her story about how she studied her heritage languages by taking Croatian and Modern Greek language lessons as an adult. Improving her heritage language skills has helped her improve her career as a Balkan musician, be able to pass on her heritage cultures to her children better, and to have a stronger connection to her cultures herself.

Understanding the history of the Greek language is important for anyone who is learning Modern Greek. The Greek language used to be divided between a “pure” ancient form (Katharevousa) and the spoken vernacular (Demotic), Greece resolved its diglossia in 1976, adopting Modern Greek. Today, learners of Modern Greek explore not only grammar and vocabulary but also a living history that connects ancient roots with modern expression.

The Greek language’s evolution from Katharevousa to Demotic tells a story of identity and change. Once divided between a “pure” ancient form and the spoken vernacular, Greece resolved its diglossia in 1976, adopting Modern Greek. Today, students taking Modren Greek language classes explore not only grammar and vocabulary but also a living history that connects ancient roots with modern expression.

When I talk to people about working to support the revitalization of endangered languages, I oft en get the question "What exactly does...

This blog explores the Critical Period Hypothesis and why early childhood is the optimal window for Turkish language development. Aimed at Turkish families in the Bay Area, it explains how neuroscience shows children absorb languages most naturally before puberty, why heritage languages like Turkish risk attrition without structured support, and how formal classes help build academic language skills, cultural connection, and cognitive advantages. It emphasizes the urgency of

At our cooperative, we are dedicated not only to preserving and promoting less commonly taught languages but also to honoring the...

Zazaki, also known as Zaza or Kirmanjki, Dimlî, Dimilkî, Kirdkî, or Zonê ma, is a language from the Iranian language group spoken by the...

Our language cooperative has a solid foundation in the Balkan music tradition. Many of our students and founders are active in Turkish and Greek music communities in San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Music draws learners in, deepens cultural understanding, and supports language acquisition. Here is a list of music ensemble performing Greek and Turkish songs in the SF Bay Area.

If you’ve started learning Russian, you’ve probably come across verbs of motion , which work in a very unique way in Russian, and can...

The First Turkic Language Dictionary Ever. Divanu Lugati't-Turk: The First Ever Dictionary of Turkic Languages Divanu Lugati't-Turk,...

Turkish is challenging for English speakers to learn because the structures of these languages are so different.

OUr students have many reasons to study Turkish, from family heritage, to interest in Turkish shows (dizi), and even academic studies.

At Halbuki Linguistic Cooperative, we’re passionate about empowering learners to embrace multilingualism. Whether you’re working on...

Let’s take a closer look at the structural similarities and differences between Turkish and Quechua. Though geographically distant and...