Koine Foundations

The Koine Greek letters gamma (Γɣ <Hear It>), chi (Χχ <Hear It>), and rho (Ρρ <Hear It>) are often difficult for native English speakers to pronounce because these sounds do not occur in English. Gamma and Chi are gutturals that are produced in the throat. Rho is trilled or rolled.

A simple thing you can do to help your voice and make it easier to pronounce these letters is to eat an apple (μήλο <Hear It>) before you practice saying the alphabet or words (applesauce also works). The acidity in apples (and other acidic fruits) makes you salivate, which lubricates your vocal cords and improves vocal performance. The extra saliva will help you make guttural sounds and roll-roll-roll the rho.