In February 2022 we participated in the gestures competition of the OLS program that takes place twice a year. OLS is an ongoing language support program that enables us to learn the Greek language while we work at school as assistant teachers. To enter the contest we wrote about our experience with the “ciga,ciga” gesture in the schools and documented the gesture with a picture. After a few weeks we were contacted by the OLS team and were told that we got 2nd place which is awarded with a 300€ amazon voucher. Below you can find our submission to the contest.
σιγά, σιγά
Body language is the second language of Greece. In our ESC project where we work in a school in a local community on the island of Chios and where we didn’t know a single word of Greek at our arrival, gestures were our main form of communication and understanding. One of the gestures that represents the Greek way of life best is “σιγά, σιγά”, which means “slowly, slowly”. Taking things slowly or not caring enough can be typical stereotypes if you have never really been in contact with the Greek culture for more than just a vacation, but from our experience this mindset is more than just that. “Σιγά, σιγά” means not to haste through life, cherish the small moments and live the present. At school, where work can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming, we have encountered this gesture many times. Instead of getting lost in the pressure that a volunteer can have, it has helped us to be present and appreciate this experience.
