Europe, a Greek word - Europa, una parola greca

There are a lot of opinions about the etymology of the word "Europe". The most prevalent of these claims is that the word is Greek: from the words "ευρύς" (evris) = broad and "όψη" (opsi) = appearance, it means something wide. This word was used by the old inhabitants of Peloponnese and the islands to define the areas beyond their own place, northern Greece and the Balkans. Much later the term "Europe" expanded across the continent.

In the Greek Mythology there is the myth of Zeus and Europe. Europe was a beautiful girl, daughter of the king of Phoenicia. When Dias (Zeus), the father of gods and men, saw her, he immediately fell in love. To approach her, he was transformed into a bull grazing in a meadow near the place where Europe was playing with her friends. When she approached the bull to caress him, he put her on his back and flew up into the sky of Greece. Later, her brother, Cadmus came to Greece in order to find his sister, , where eventually he founded a city and named it Thebes. It is worth noting that from the name "Dias" (Zeus) comes the latin name "deus" = god, from the word "deus" (=god, Dias) comes the name "Deutsche" (Teuton, German, "man of God).

The Greek € 2 coin: Zeus kidnapped Europe
La moneta da 2 € greca: Zeus rapì Europa

Ci sono molte opinioni circa l'etimologia della parola "Europa". Il più diffuso di questi sostiene che la parola è greca: dalle parole "ευρύς" (evris) = ampio ed "όψη" (opsi) = apparizione, significa qualcosa di larghezza. Questa parola è stata usata dagli antichi abitanti del Peloponneso e delle isole per definire le zone oltre il loro posto, il nord della Grecia ed i Balcani. Molto più tardi il termine "Europa" espande in tutto il continente.

Nella mitologia greca c' è il mito di Zeus ed Europa. Europa era una bella ragazza, figlia del re di Fenicia. Quando Dias (Zeus), il padre degli dèi e degli uomini, la vide, subito si innamorò. Per avvicinarsi a lei, ha trasformato in un toro pascolante in un prato vicino al luogo in cui l'Europa stava giocando con i suoi amici. Quando il toro si avvicinò per accarezzarlo, la mise sulle spalle e volò verso il cielo della Grecia. Più tardi, suo fratello, Cadmo, al fine di trovare sua sorella, è venuto in Grecia, dove alla fine ha fondato una città chiamata Tebe. Vale la pena notare che dal nome di "Dias" (Zeus) viene il nome latino "deus" = dio, dalla parola "deus" (= dio, Dias) viene il nome "Deutsche" (teutone, tedesco, "uomo di Dio).

Greek words trivia: Photograph - Parole greche trivia: Fotografia

We all have a small digital camera in our pocket, so we can take our own pictures from travels, excursions and events. But do we know that the word "photograph" is Greek? Indeed, this word is a synthesis: it is composed by the greek word "fos" that means "light" and the verb "grafo" that means "write". So, "photograph" means "light writing"!

Tutti noi abbiamo una piccola macchina fotografica digitale in tasca, in modo che possiamo scattare le nostre fotografie da viaggi, escursioni e rassegne. Ma sappiamo che la 'fotografia' è una parola greca? Infatti, questa parola è composto dalla parola greca 'fos' che significa 'luce' e il verbo 'grafo' che significa 'scrivere'. Quindi, 'fotografia' significa 'scrittura di luce'!

English Idioms (2)

Have a look at some English Idioms.
Most of them have a Greek equivalent.
Can you find it?

1. Back Seat Driver:
People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone giving unwanted advice from the back seat of a vehicle to the driver.
2. Back To Square One:
Having to start all over again.
3. Back To The Drawing Board:
When an attempt fails and it's time to start all over.
4. Baker's Dozen:
Thirteen.
5. Barking Up The Wrong Tree:
A mistake made in something you are trying to achieve.
6. Beat A Dead Horse:
To force an issue that has already ended.
7. Beating Around The Bush:
Avoiding the main topic. Not speaking directly about the issue.
8. Bend Over Backwards:
Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything.
9. Between A Rock And A Hard Place:
Stuck between two very bad options.
10. Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:
To take on a task that is way to big.
11. Bite Your Tongue:
To avoid talking.
12. Blood Is Thicker Than Water:
The family bond is closer than anything else.
13. Blue Moon:
A rare event or occurance.
14. Break A Leg:
A superstitious way to say 'good luck' without saying 'good luck', but rather the opposite.
15. Buy A Lemon:
To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away.

European Day of Languages

At the initiative of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, the European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 

26 September.

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. Being convinced that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes plurilingualism in the whole of Europe.

The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are to:

• alert the public to the importance of language learning and diversify the range of languages learned in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;
• promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe;
• encourage lifelong language learning in and out of school.

In keeping with these aims, people, young and old, are encouraged to take up a language, or take special pride in their existing language skills. Also, those responsible for providing access to language learning are encouraged to make it easier for people to learn a range of languages, and to support policy initiatives to promote languages. There is also emphasis on learning a language other than English.

On the occasion of the day, a range of events are organised across Europe, including happenings for children, television and radio programmes, language classes and conferences.

English Idioms (1)

Have a look at some English idioms.
Most of them have a Greek equivalent.
Can you find it?

1. A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush:
Having something that is certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might lose everything.

2. A Doubting Thomas:
A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in order to believe something.

3. A Drop in the Bucket:
A very small part of something big or whole.

4. A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand:
Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out.

5. A Leopard Can't Change His Spots:
You cannot change who you are.

6. A Picture Paints a Thousand Words:
A visual presentation is far more descriptive than words.

7. A Piece of Cake:
A task that can be accomplished very easily.

8. Actions Speak Louder Than Words:
It's better to actually do something than just talk about it.

9. Add Fuel To The Fire:
Whenever something is done to make a bad situation even worse than it is.

10. All Bark And No Bite:
When someone is threatening and/or aggressive but not willing to engage in a fight.

11. All Greek to me:
Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot read, speak, or understand any of the Greek language would be.

12. All In The Same Boat:
When everyone is facing the same challenges.

13. Apple of My Eye:
Someone who is cherished above all others.

to be continued...