The term “hoi polloi” is a Greek phrase that means “the many” or “the masses.” It is often used to refer to the common people or the working class. Teaching students about hoi polloi can be a great way to introduce them to the rich history and culture of ancient Greece, as well as to help them develop their vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
One way to teach students about hoi polloi is to start by exploring its origins. The term comes from ancient Greece, where it was used to distinguish between the wealthy and powerful elite and the common people. In modern usage, the term is often used in a derogatory way to refer to people who are considered uneducated or unsophisticated.
Another way to teach students about hoi polloi is to explore its use in literature and popular culture. For example, many famous writers have used the term in their works, including Shakespeare, who famously wrote “Forsooth, a great arithmetician, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine (A fellow almost damned in a fair wife) That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows More than a spinster—unless the bookish theorick Wherein the togèd consuls can propose As masterly as he. Mere prattle without practice Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th’ election; And I—of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christian and heathen—must be belee’d and calm’d By debitor and creditor. This counter-caster, He (in good time) must his lieutenant be And I—God bless the mark!—his Moorship’s ancient.” (Othello, Act 1, Scene 1). In popular culture, the term has been used in movies, TV shows, and music to refer to the common people or the working class.
Teaching students about hoi polloi can also be a great opportunity to discuss some of the social and economic issues facing modern society. For example, by exploring the concept of hoi polloi in-depth, students can gain a deeper understanding of some of the challenges facing people who are considered part of the working class or lower-income groups.
Overall, teaching students about hoi polloi can be a great way to help them develop their vocabulary and critical thinking skills, as well as their understanding of history and culture. By exploring the rich history and unique features of this ancient Greek phrase, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the many different ways in which language shapes our world today.
