In the village where I live, many of my neighbors, colleagues, and others I've met speak much more English than I speak Greek. Still, in villages like Polemidia, there is much less need for English than there is in cities like nearby Limassol, where many residents must interact regularly with tourists and immigrants. With less English spoken here, it feels even more important that I work hard to improve my Greek skills. To my surprise, quite a few people I've met have actually apologized for not knowing as much English as they'd like to, especially since they realize that English is often considered a "universal" language. However, I don't think they have any reason to apologize! If anything, I think I should be apologizing and emphasizing that I'm working to learn Greek. My knowing English, a "universal" language, is simply a privilege of my coming from an English-speaking country. Does that mean I should expect everyone to speak English wherever I go? Of course not!
That belief, more than any real necessity, is what makes it so important that I make the effort to learn Greek while I'm here. I could easily get by here without knowing Greek, but I prefer not to. I think I can learn more from my new community if I learn Greek (or at least make a sincere effort). I still remember how, during my first month at the school where I teach, I decided to introduce myself in Greek at parent night. Although I only knew a little Greek (λίγο ελληνικά), I explained to them that I was eager to learn more. I stumbled over the words, looking down often at my notes and blushing furiously, but the parents applauded and cheered, “Μπράβο! Μπράβο! " ("Bravo! Bravo!").
