Summary
1. It is essential that you learn the Greek alphabet right away. You cannot learn anything else until you do.
2. Learn the English name, how to write the small letter, and how to pronounce the letter.
3. The vowels in Greek are α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, and ω.
4. Every word beginning with a vowel must have either a rough or smooth breathing mark. If the word begins with a diphthong, the breathing mark is over the second vowel. If the word begins with a single vowel and is capitalized, the breathing mark goes before the first vowel.
5. A diphthong consists of two vowels pronounced as a single sound. The second vowel is always an ι or υ.
6. An improper diphthong is a diphthong with an iota subscript under the first vowel. The iota subscript does not affect pronunciation but is important in translation (Mounce, 13).
