1. In learning a new alphabet attention need be paid only to
such letters as are not already know. Of the Greek alphabet
only twelve characters are unfamiliar:
A, Β, Γ, Δ, Ε, Ζ, Η, Θ, Ι, Κ, Λ, Μ,
α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ, μ,
a, b, g, d, ĕ, z, ē, th, i, k, l, m,
Ν, Ξ, Ο, Π, Ρ, Σ, Τ, Υ, Φ, Χ, Ψ, Ω,
ν, ξ, ο, π, ρ, σ(ς), τ, υ, φ, χ, ψ, ω,
n, ks, ŏ, p, r, s, t, u, ph, ch, ps, ō,
Note.—The small letters, most used, should be learned. The
capital letters may be learned as they occur.
2. ε, ο are always short; η, ω, always long; α, ι, υ, sometimes
long, sometimes short.
ā as "a" in father. ī as "i" in machine.
ă as "a" in papa. ĭ as "i" in pin.
η as "e" in fete. ω as "o" in note.
ε as "e" in met. ο as "o" in obey.
υ equals approximately "eu" in feud or the French u.
Note 1.—In diphthongs with a long vowel ι is subscribed.
Note 2.—As in music, the difference between long and short
is one of time, as musical notes image A difference in quality
actually appears in pronunciation.
Note 3.—A diphthong is counted long. But in determining accent
final –αι– and –οι– are counted short except in the optative
mode and in a few words, οἴμοι, οἴκοι. Bt. 3-4; Gl. 5; Gn. 5;
H.A. 9-11.