Bidialectalism in Cyprus and its impact on the teaching of Greek as a foreign language

This study examines the problems that emerge in the teaching of Standard Modern Greek as a foreign language in Cyprus due to the fact that the linguistic code taught in the classroom does not correspond exactly to the linguistic code that is used in the Cypriot speech community. The study focuses on how teachers of Greek as a foreign language perceive the effects of bidialectalism on their students and on their own teaching. Moreover, it examines whether students themselves are aware of the situation and the consequences it has for their acquisition of Greek. Teachers ‘and students’ suggestions on how to address the problems that may arise because of bidialectalism are presented. Finally, on the basis of the ?ndings, the authors offer their own recommendations.