Greek Language Day celebrated worldwide: Honouring a legacy while facing challenges
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greek communities worldwide are celebrating World Greek Language Day today, February 9, paying tribute to the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Greek language. The observance coincides with the commemoration of national poet Dionysios Solomos, whose words helped shape Greek national identity and underscore the language’s profound impact on global civilisation.
In Australia, community leaders and educators reaffirm the importance of passing Greek on to future generations.
Greek Orthodox Archbishop Makarios of Australia highlighted this duty, calling the Greek language a “priceless treasure” that must be safeguarded and nurtured.
“Despite undeniable challenges, our responsibility remains intact—to pass on to the children of our Greek diaspora the priceless treasure we have inherited,” Archbishop Makarios stated, reaffirming the Archdiocese’s commitment to language education through parishes, schools, and cultural programs.
On this occasion, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, reaffirmed the nation’s efforts to promote the Greek language globally.
“Greek is the vessel of our identity through time, a language with an unparalleled contribution to global culture, science, and the arts—a language that unites, interprets, and gives meaning,” Kotsiras stated.
The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora places a strong emphasis on advancing Greek language education.
Initiatives include strengthening Greek studies programs worldwide, enhancing online learning through platforms like staellinika.com, and fostering academic ties between Greece and the diaspora through agreements with institutions such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Despite the celebratory nature of World Greek Language Day, concerns persist about the declining status of Greek language education in Australia.
Dr Alfred Vincent, speaking to SBS Greek, warned about a broader societal shift that undermines language learning.
“Despite all the positive rhetoric about multiculturalism, the prevailing view—from the federal parliament to the general public—is that learning any language other than English is unnecessary,” he said.
The recent removal of Modern Greek from Macquarie University’s curriculum and planned cuts to language programs at the University of Wollongong highlight the growing challenge. Vincent questioned how Greek language teaching in schools could continue if universities no longer train qualified educators.
However, he also expressed optimism, pointing to grassroots efforts such as the Greek-Australian Society’s “PHAROS” initiative, which aims to revitalise Greek language education.
“As I’ve said before: Use it or lose it,” Vincent said, urging Greek Australians to take pride in their linguistic heritage and actively work toward its preservation.
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