ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Varieties of Modern Greek

Well, do you know that some people speak different versions of Greek language like mom and dad speak English but have different accents? Similarly, people in different parts of Greece also have different ways of talking and it is called "varieties of Modern Greek."

Now, just like how English has different versions in America, England, Canada, and Australia, Greek also has different versions. The four main versions of Modern Greek are Demotic Greek, Katharevousa Greek, Pontic Greek, and Cappadocian Greek.

Demotic Greek is the version of Greek that is spoken by most Greeks today. It is a more casual and modern version of the language, and it's what you would hear in everyday conversation.

Katharevousa Greek is a more formal version of the Greek language that was used in schools and government until the 1970s. It was created to be a more "pure" version of Greek, but now it is mostly only used in religious or legal settings.

Pontic Greek is the version of the Greek language that is spoken by Greeks who used to live in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It has its own unique pronunciation and vocabulary, but it is still a form of Greek.

Cappadocian Greek is another version of the Greek language that is spoken by Greeks who used to live in Turkey, but in the region of Cappadocia. It also has its own unique words and pronunciation.

So, just like how different people have different accents and ways of speaking English, Greeks have different ways of speaking their own language depending on where they come from and what version they use.