Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈiːk lˈaŋɡwɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "Greek language" is straightforward. The first word, "Greek," is spelled G-R-E-E-K, with a long E sound at the beginning, followed by a K sound. The second word, "language," is spelled L-A-N-G-U-A-G-E, with a long A sound in the first syllable, an N sound in the second, and a hard G sound at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled ɡriːk ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ.
The Greek language refers to the sacred and historical language of Greece, which has been used for communication, literature, and cultural expression for more than 3,000 years. It is an Indo-European language with an extensive history, dating back to the Mycenaean period in the 16th century BC. As the primary language of the ancient Greek civilization, it played a fundamental role in the development of Western civilization and has significantly influenced numerous other languages.
Greek is classified into several historical stages, including Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Greek, Koine Greek, Medieval Greek, and Modern Greek. Ancient Greek encompasses the dialects spoken in ancient Greece, notably Attic and Ionian, which were used in influential works of philosophers, playwrights, and historians like Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, and Herodotus. Hellenistic Greek emerged after the conquests of Alexander the Great and influenced the spread of Greek culture throughout his empire.
Koine Greek, also known as Common Greek, was the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek-speaking world from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. Its standardization facilitated communication and commerce across diverse regions.
Medieval Greek, also called Byzantine Greek, refers to the language spoken during the Byzantine Empire, from the 7th century AD until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Throughout this period, it diverged from Classical Greek and incorporated elements from various languages, including Latin and the vernacular spoken by the populace.
Modern Greek is the contemporary form of the language spoken by Greeks today. It evolved from Byzantine Greek and underwent numerous phonological, morphological, and syntactic changes. Modern Greek is the official language of Greece and Cyprus, serving as a vital means of cultural identity
The word "Greek" as a term for the language is derived from the Latin word "Graecus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "Γραικός" (Graikos). The origin of this word is uncertain, but it is believed to have been borrowed from another non-Greek language, potentially the Etruscan or Illyrian tongues. The Greek name for their own language is "Ελληνικά" (Ellinika), which stems from the name of the mythical ancestor Hellen, whose descendants are often referred to as Hellenes.
