Speak Greek café movement hopes to save the Greek language, one conversation at a time

The “Speak Greek in March” initiative aims to foster a vibrant community for Greek language learners and enthusiasts through both online and in-person conversation cafés.

This month featured a virtual meeting and an in-person gathering at Olympia in Oakleigh, providing valuable opportunities for connection and language practice. Building on this start, gatherings will continue in April and beyond, held on the last Wednesday of each month (online) and the last Saturday (in person).

For those who missed the recent events, it’s not too late to participate! Dorothy Hatzopoulou and The Greek Herald journalist Mary Sinanidis encourage anyone interested in joining the weekly 15-minute one-on-one rotational Greek chats and monthly virtual or face-to-face meetups to contact them at msinanidis@gmail.com in order to get an invitation to join a Google hub for conversation café participants.

These free initiatives offer a fantastic opportunity to “level up your Greek fast” and connect with a supportive community.

Virtual cafés

The lively online Greek café provides a convenient platform for individuals to engage in conversation from home. Participants of all ages are welcome and can join breakout rooms to discuss various themes.

“It was great to see so many non-Greek speakers of the language celebrating the language and attending the virtual café,” Mary said.

“This opportunity provides a safe space for people to speak Greek and connect with others—Greek or non-Greek—of all ages from across Australia and even beyond, who want to practice.”

The first online event featured professional yachtsman Kostas Papalexopoulos, who took Australian visitors on a virtual tour of his beloved Piraeus.

In-person cafés

On Saturday, the “Speak Greek in March” spirit came alive at Olympia in Oakleigh, where a bustling conversation café was held. Hosts Dorothy and Mary created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, attracting participants of all levels—from beginners taking their first steps in the language to advanced speakers eager to refine their fluency. The energy was palpable, with attendees enthusiastically sharing their knowledge and learning from one another.

Participants engaged in Greek speed friending, played fun games, won prizes, and enjoyed themselves so much that they stayed long after the event’s scheduled end, savouring rounds of lentil soup and souvlaki wraps.

Dorothy, an experienced communications professional and event organiser, led team-building exercises.

“We were thrilled to host such a successful event that brought together Greeks we don’t normally see at community events. We were very pleased to see these new faces and the amazing collaboration between novice and native Greek speakers,” Dorothy said.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Speak Greek in March—which will, of course, continue in April! We hope to visit a different area each month and grow our community.”

10-year campaign

Mike Zafiropoulos, the campaign’s initiator, was visibly moved as participants sang “Happy Birthday” to a campaign that continues despite the challenges faced by the Greek language.

“My drive to create this campaign stemmed from witnessing the loss of Greek among distant generations in other countries. As I saw a family in its 6^th, 7^th and 8^th generation in Peru lose touch with Greek, I was determined to prevent this from happening in Australia. Therefore, I wholeheartedly welcome initiatives like Mary and Dorothy’s, and I encourage individuals outside of established groups to take such action, because the ‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign belongs to everyone and everyone should have ownership,” Mr Zafiropoulos said.

In December, the finances and responsibility of the Speak Greek in March campaign were offered to Pharos who are currently considering future plans.

Meanwhile, the management of Olympia wine bar jumped at the opportunity to help in the promotion of Greek language, and opened their doors despite it being a busy Saturday in Oakleigh.

Organisers Mary and Dorothy shared, “We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our inaugural event! Olympia provided the perfect backdrop, offering a welcoming space, friendly service, genuine Greek hospitality, and delicious sfinakia. It was like being in Greece!”

Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher of The Greek Herald, contributed by supplying stationery, cardboard, and newspapers for the engagement activities.

“At The Greek Herald, we believe in actively supporting initiatives that preserve and celebrate our language. When we heard about the conversation café, we immediately asked how we could help—because every contribution can make a big difference in keeping Greek alive in everyday life. We encourage others to join in and show their support too, in whatever way they can,” Ms Skalkos said.

Moira Triantafillou, Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs at the Greek Consulate of Melbourne, was also present to endorse the conversation café initiative.

Dorothy and Mary hope the Greek conversation café initiative will be embraced by the community and welcome proposals from people interested in hosting their own cafés.

“We would love others to infuse their own ideas and perspectives into the conversation cafes, and why not? We would love people to take charge of hosting duties,” Dorothy said.

“These conversation cafes don’t belong to us,” Mary emphasised. “Our goal is for them to thrive as open, inclusive, and balanced community spaces where Greek is celebrated.”

The hosts have also promised to provide a list of one-on-one 15-minute Greek chat pairings for those who wish to continue practicing in between café meetings.

Please email msinanidis@gmail.com for an invitation to join the conversation café Google Hub.