The “Erasmian” Pronunciation of Greek

What is it about?

A version of the so-called “Erasmian” pronunciation of ancient Greek is used by almost all the textbooks and institutions currently responsible for teaching ancient Greek. This article explores the nature and origins of this “Erasmian” pronunciation, its connections to the man after whom it is named, Desiderius Erasmus, and critically evaluates the possibility that his famous work on the subject of Greek pronunciation was the result of a practical joke. Although it is generally accepted that the “Erasmian” system of pronunciation is un-Greek, this article demonstrates that it is also un-Erasmian.

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Why is it important?

There are many misconceptions around the “Erasmian” pronunciation of ancient Greek, not least in its relationship to the man in whose name it masquerades. This article clarifies the precise contribution of Erasmus to the subject of ancient Greek pronunciation, and critically evaluates the claim that he was tricked into writing a book on the subject, a claim which has recently been revived, and has almost always been taken at face value.