On teaching biblical languages

I was frustrated in college that they taught us to read Greek but not to write or speak it (we actually did do composition in first-year Hebrew): learning just enough to write a sermon is an ugly short-cut. So I compiled an English-Greek dictionary, and wrote a paper for Volleyball class in biblical Greek (both now bitrotting). The Greek was terrible, but the paper actually made sense. The next year they finally offered Greek composition, but by then senioritis had set in.

Some professors now use the modern pronunciation, which is a great start. I spent the summer after senior year in Greece and Israel. I picked up a modern Greek grammar in Athens and currently attempt a book-learnt modern pronunciation. Had Randall Buth's program existed (did it?), I probably would have preferred it to Wheaton's. I hear that Buth, upon learning that a scholar he's just met at SBL teaches Greek, launches into conversation in Greek. I fantasize about replying.

If I taught biblical languages, I'd use a kids' bible for composition exercises: simple grammar, basically the same vocab, and pictures for reinforcement. Win, win, win! Second, third, and fourth year, I'd step things up. Feed back to Chad Whitacre.