By Theo Markos
Over the past month or so a few articles have appeared in the Greek Australian press discussing the current and future state of the Greek language in Victoria. Concern was expressed and the outlook given appeared somewhat grim.
Regardless of the views expressed, I am of the firm opinion that any discussion regarding the Greek language must only be seen as positive. It clearly indicates that there is still interest out there and a will exists to attempt and address the issue, to “fix” the errors of the past and, maybe, prevent future ones.
The formation of the Pharos Alliance, which has united many of those who share a passion for the maintenance of our language, is certainly a positive step and their numerous activities, meetings and lobbying efforts over the past year indicate that they are heading in the right direction. And there is certainly room for many more who share their aims and objectives to join Pharos and contribute with their thoughts, passion and expertise.
And yes, the road is certainly a long and winding one but positive signs do exist. The fact there is still a large number of after-hour schools operating in our community, three private colleges and a significant Greek language public education sector, as well as the Greek language program at La Trobe university, must not be ignored and should be commended. There are many people working hard in all these sectors to promote the teaching of our language.
The public education sector is an extremely challenging area and it is encouraging that there are many teachers out there working long hours to promote and expand their programs. They’re fighting against the odds especially when one considers that, unfortunately, languages other than English, especially community languages, are not really a priority within the sector and the hours devoted to them minimal.
I will never forget the words of a school principal many years ago who bluntly told me: “Theo, languages are dead in Australia. Children are better off learning computer languages rather than foreign languages.” So I commend all those teachers who I consider silent heroes, going against the tide without the appropriate support that they require and deserve.
Thankfully there are exceptions and schools that have a more open and positive attitude towards languages. And they have that positive attitude, not only because they believe in the benefits that language learning can bring to Australia but also because they can see how hard the Greek language teachers work and the commitment they have to their calling and their students. Teachers that don’t seek the limelight and just keep on doing what they believe is best for their students.
I applaud Meny at Clarinda Primary, the only school in Victoria where Greek is taught to every one of the 300 plus students!
I congratulate Fotini at Strathmore Secondary College where over 100 high school students are learning Greek, including VCE level.
I admire Connie, Maria and Yiota who are responsible for the only Greek bilingual program in Victoria at Lalor North Primary that I believe is increasing its numbers next year which hopefully will result in an expansion of the program.
As long as we as a community stay vigilant and support the teaching of Greek wherever that may be, there is still hope. So let us continue and encourage the discussion that is taking place. And let us work to increase the hours languages are taught and, where necessary, to support the adoption of better methodologies and evaluation tools.
Let’s have a glass half full approach to the issue and remain positive and active and of course, apply pressure and lobby all those bodies that influence the language education agenda in our state.
And in the words of that great Monty Python song let us “always look at the bright side of life.”
