Reading Greek Old Handwriting Made Easy
Contents
Introduction[edit | edit source]
This article will help you learn how to read Greek handwritten records. It will help you become familiar with variations of handwritten letters of the Greek alphabet, and the difference of records kept in various parts of Greece. You will see the Greek alphabet typed and handwritten.
Two Lists of the Most Common Greek Words Used in Genealogy[edit | edit source]
- One list includes words of the old Greek language (Kathareuousa). This old language was used on all documents until 1980, and is still in use today by the Greek Orthodox Church in Greece and in other countries.
- Greek Word List: Words Used in Old Records (Kathareuousa) shows the most common genealogical words, with handwritten versions.
- For a more complete list of Greek genealogical words (Kathareuousa) visit the Family History Research in Greece, 3rd edition Chapter 10 THE LANGUAGE p.135.
- The other list includes words of the modern Greek language (Demotic). This list of words of the modern language will help you when you want to read a letter or the writings behind photographs sent from Greece.
Greek Given Names[edit | edit source]
- A list of the most common Greek given names is also included, to help you recognize them when you see them handwritten in a document.
- Several Greek Given Names in Handwriting Not every name is given in handwriting. By becoming familiar with the names in this list, you will develop the skills to read the additional names in the following list.
- For more given names visit the Family History Research in Greece, 3rd edition Appendix B.
How to Use the Handwriting Samples[edit | edit source]
Included here are samples of handwritten records of the 1800’s and 1700’s. Each record appears in two copies. One copy has over each handwritten word the word typed. The other copy has each letter typed. This will help you become familiar with the handwriting of the recorder. Some of these samples were chosen from vital records and some from electoral correspondence of the 1843-1865. This will help you become familiar with the handwriting of the person who wrote each letter, who was the clerk of a municipality acting also as recorder of vital records of the towns that belonged to this municipality.
Letters[edit | edit source]
Lesson One:Tips[edit | edit source]
Lesson Two:[edit | edit source]Reading Old Greek Handwriting Made Easy
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Lesson Three:[edit | edit source]
Identifying Greek Handwriting Letters
This handout will teach you to read:
- Substitutes of letters
- Aspiration marks
- Words within phrases
- Numbers
Samples of Documents: Certificates[edit | edit source]
Birth Certificate[edit | edit source]
Marriage Certificate[edit | edit source]
Death Certificate[edit | edit source]
Samples of Documents: A Variety of Documents[edit | edit source]
- Some copies of old Greek documents are used here as samples, to assist you in recognizing the Greek old handwriting. Each document appears in two copies. The first copy of the document has over each word typed the same word. The second copy of the same document has over each letter the same letter typed. This will help in recognizing each letter of this particular handwriting. The various samples that are included here, have each of them a different handwriting, and are of various periods of time. Several samples have been used because the more individual handwritings you get familiar with, the easier you will recognize another person’s handwriting.
Translating the Records[edit | edit source]
For help translating the records into English, see all the help available in Family History Research in Greece, 3rd edition: Here are some important instructions and word lists.
Chapter 10 The LANGUAGE--Link[edit | edit source]
It’s All Greek to Me ............................................................................................... 127
How to Work With the Language .......................................................................... 127
The Alphabet ........................................................................................................ 128
- Diacritic Marks ................................................................................................ 128
About Transliteration ............................................................................................. 129
- Transliteration Chart – The Simple Transliteration System........................ 130
Pronunciation......................................................................................................... 131
- Diphthongs....................................................................................................... 131
- Digraphs........................................................................................................... 131
The Handwriting..................................................................................................... 132
Grammar ............................................................................................................... 132
Greek Genealogical Word List............................................................................... 133
- Key Words........................................................................................................ 133
- Words Indicating Relation ................................................................................ 133
- Words Indicating Birth ...................................................................................... 133
- Words Indicating Status of Birth ....................................................................... 133
- Words Indicating Baptism ................................................................................. 134
- Words Indicating Marriage ................................................................................ 134
- Words Indicating Death ..................................................................................... 134
- Colorful Expressions for death .......................................................................... 134
- Words Indicating Burial...................................................................................... 134
- Words Indicating Types of Records .................................................................. 134
General Words......................................................................................................... 135
Chapter 11 NUMBERS AND UNITS OF TIME--Link[edit | edit source]
Numbers ................................................................................................................. 139
- Numbers in Numerical Order............................................................................. 139
- Cardinal Numbers in Alphabetical Order .......................................................... 140
- Ordinal Numbers in Alphabetical Order............................................................. 140
- Numbers in Alphabetic Form............................................................................. 141
Units of Time........................................................................................................... 141
- Days of the Week.............................................................................................. 141
- Months............................................................................................................... 141
Appendix A GLOSSARY--Link[edit | edit source]
Greek Words........................................................................................................... 143
English Words......................................................................................................... 145
Appendix B[edit | edit source]
Appendix B GREEK GIVEN NAMES, THEIR VARIATIONS, ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS AND NAME DAYS--Link