Greek-Americans. Do they know how to write?

Question

In my family I have also Greek-american cousins because a little part from my family went to live In New York.

But I have one question to u guys that knows Greek-americans or you which is Greek-american.

I know that they know how to speak Greek, but I have my doubts If they know how to writte.

If they know what the 8 means like 8ea, If they know what 3 means like 3ana, If I put the X and not the H they will understand like Xara and not hara.... these things.

I'm asking It because my cousin had send to me a letter but in English and he is Greek-american and we always talk in Greek sooo I'm thinking that probably he is scarry to write in Greek, I don't know...

So the question is:

Do they know how to write or just know how to speak?

But If I write in Greek do they understand?

Answer 1

i find if you simple latinise the greek  they can understand .what you writing get's more easier to comprehend ..as there are no confusing characters.to interpert..and it just a simple sylabe,or it becomes a simple sylabe.as PARADIGMA..that is latin greek...as aposed to PAPADIGMA..its just makes it easy for you and them.. some people think that its embarassing  to write in latin form as it dosent show that you know how to write grammaticly correct..but most people are jigi with it man... after all greek should always be written in greek characters.if you got the key board for it or you can change your font but i get confused with the key board then..lol

Answer 2

it depends on how and where Greek-Americans were raised. Most Greek-Orthodox churches here offer greek school to the children from grades 1-6 which focus on grammar and speech. In larger cities, they have expensive private Greek schools from grades preschool to 12 grade.  It also depends at home if the Greek-American keeps up w/their language and grammar skills. practice makes perfect!!

If you write in Greek, they should understand only because the english language borrows so many Greek words and definitions.  If they don't understand, tell them to buy a Greek-English dictionary so they can learn.  

or maybe he just assumed that you're good at english and that's why he wrote that letter :)

Answer 3

some do, some dont...depends on the person. i met only greek girl whose greek parents moved to south carolina where there are no greeks whatsoever and she doesnt even know how to speak greek. but i know others, such as myself, who went to a greek-american school and have both greek and english high school diplomas and who know to speak, read, and write in greek. it depends on where you grew up and how much your parents emphasized learning your native language.

Answer 4

Well first of all if you are Greek American and live with a Greek family you must certainly know a little Greek. When you speak for one greek American, you don't speak for all of them. I was born in Greece and I became an American Citizen at a young age so that I wouldnt have trouble visiting my family over here during the summer. My sister was born in America and has Greek citizenship and we both know Greek. There are Greek schools in New York and churches but the fact that they might not be with Greeks everywhere in New York, I know particuallarly because I am there right now. But seriously some people are Greek and don't know very well so your question is kind of obsolete and reatarted.

Answer 5

I do not know your relatives.  In order to know that 8=th, and that 3=ks and that X=h, they would have to have some familiarity with the Greek alphabet.  Since  you always talk in Greek, perhaps they do....so why don't you ask them?????   I am Greek and born in America.....and I know the Greek alphabet and can write in Greek.  But for everyone it is different.  ASK and find out.