World Greek Language Day: A Global Celebration of Enduring Influence
February 9th marks a significant milestone as the world officially celebrates the inaugural World Greek Language Day. This global recognition, spearheaded by a unanimous decision from the 90 member states of UNESCO, honours the profound and universal cultural significance of the Greek language. For millennia, it has been a cornerstone of philosophy, science, literature, and the arts, shaping the trajectory of human civilisation. The day also serves as a tribute to Greece’s national poet, Dionysios Solomos, whose legacy is intrinsically linked to the evolution and spirit of the language.
For Modern Hellenism, the Greek language stands as a vital pillar, alongside the nation’s Orthodox faith and rich traditions, defining its unique identity.
Around Europe, the occasion has been met with enthusiastic acknowledgement from government officials. Nikos Dendias, Greece’s Minister of National Defence, took to social media platform X to express his sentiments. He highlighted the language as “proof of the historical continuity of the nation,” stating that its words carry the weight of literary giants and historical struggles, from the epic verses of Homer and the philosophical insights of Plato to the historical accounts of Thucydides, the spiritual resonance of Byzantine hymns, the soulfulness of folk songs, and the enduring voices of modern poets like Seferis and Elytis.
Minister Dendias further underscored the significance of the chosen date, coinciding with the Dionysios Solomos Memorial Day. He recalled the poet’s poignant question from his “Dialogues” (1824): “‘I understand; do you want to talk about language? I have nothing else in mind but freedom and language’.” This powerful sentiment encapsulates the deep connection between language, identity, and liberty.
Echoing this sense of pride and responsibility, Greece’s Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis issued a message stating, “It is with a sense of responsibility and pride that we officially commemorate, for the first time this year, on 9 February, the World Day of the Greek Language.”
The Enduring Value of the Greek Language: International Perspectives
The profound impact and inherent value of the Greek language have resonated across borders, with writers from Italy and Spain sharing their admiration.
Elena D’Ambrozo Navone, author of “The Nights of Kos,” described the Greek language as an inexhaustible source that transcends time. She eloquently stated, “In every word there is the breath of the Aegean, the courage to question existence itself. In my book, tradition is an echo of a living presence, the islands, the light, the memories transform the Greek language into an emotional experience, like an inner homeland. Its future can only continue to be bright. As long as one writes, loves and dreams in Greek, this language will never cease to be reborn.”
These sentiments are shared by Francesco Neri, director of the Italian Institute in Athens. A devoted admirer of the Greek language and its modern literature, Neri recounted his personal journey with Greek. “Like thousands of Italians, I started learning ancient Greek at the Liceo Classico at the age of 14 and I can say that since then I have never given up. My love for ancient civilisation then awakened in me the desire to get to know modern Greece and its language,” he explained.
Neri elaborated on the educational significance of Greek studies in Italy. “The study of Greek in Italy as a compulsory course in Classical Lyceums is an excellent opportunity to come into contact with the priceless heritage of antiquity, but it also stimulates interest and sympathy for today’s Greeks and their country. The fact that Italy is the country in the world where ancient Greek is studied more than anywhere else enriches the relations of all kinds between our two countries and makes them, in a way, special.”
Catalonia’s Deep-Rooted Affinity for Greek Culture
Spain, particularly the Catalonia region, exhibits a historical and cultural connection to Greece, significantly influenced by the ancient Greek colony of Empúries on its Mediterranean coast.
Eusebi Ayens Pratt, a distinguished Greek scholar, translator of Cavafy, and a corresponding member of the Academy of Athens, spoke to the deep Hellenistic tradition in Spain. “The Spanish State (and Catalonia in particular) is historically a country that has produced great Hellenists,” he affirmed. Pratt highlighted prominent Catalan scholars like Carles Riba, the first translator of Cavafy into Catalan, Josep Alsina, and Alexis-Eudald Solà, recognising them as leading European Hellenists of the 20th century. He further noted the presence of robust academic institutions in Catalonia dedicated to the teaching of Greek, primarily ancient Greek, which often serves as a gateway to understanding modern Greek language and literature.
Greece’s Enduring Legacy in Europe’s Cultural Fabric
The influence of Greek language and thought extends across Europe, shaping fundamental concepts of governance and societal values. Romania’s President Nicusor Dan lauded Greece’s pivotal role in forging Europe’s cultural heritage and reinforcing Romania’s identity as a modern, democratic European nation.
President Dan articulated, “The Greek language has been the foundation on which the philosophy, sciences, arts and political concepts that underpin modern democracies have developed. It has shaped our thinking about the freedom and dignity of every citizen, respect for law and conscience, and the responsibility of societies to work together in the service of the common good, peace and prosperity.”
He emphasised the critical relevance of this heritage in contemporary times, stating, “At the present juncture, when democracies are being tested by the resurgence of extremism and the crisis of values, it becomes even more urgent to reflect on the humanist heritage of Europe, which has been transmitted from generation to generation through the Greek language and the great figures of the Greek people.”
The establishment of World Greek Language Day serves as a powerful reminder of the language’s enduring legacy and its continued relevance in shaping global thought and culture.
