Celebrated on February 9, World Greek Language Day is an opportunity to appreciate the dedication of Greek Australian teachers in preserving the language and its intricacies.
The Greek Herald spoke with Greek teachers in Melbourne to hear their favourite Greek proverbs. The phrasing of these proverbs cannot be directly translated (that’s the beauty of the Greek language), but their meaning is impactful in both languages.
Despina Sarandis, President of Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria and Greek language teacher at Alphington Grammar School, has two proverbs that have supported her throughout her teaching journey.
“The first is «Το καλό πράγμα αργεί να γίνει / Good things take time to happen», which reminds me everyday… that patience is a virtue and that all beautiful things take time,” she said.
“Language learning is hard and it will not happen overnight. This proverb has guided me both in the classroom and in life, especially when progress feels slow, reinforcing the value of perseverance and trust in the process.”
Another proverb Despina uses in her practice is «Κράτα με να σε κρατώ να ανεβούμε το βουνό / Hold me to hold you as we climb the mountain». Despina feels it “beautifully captures the importance of cooperation and mutual support.”
“We as teachers need to continuously support our students to climb high as we also need our mentors continuously to learn and become better than the day before. It reflects my belief that language learning and teaching is a shared journey, where working together leads to greater achievements,” Despina adds.
Despina feels honoured to be teaching Greek to the next generation. She told The Greek Herald, “I have the privilege of passing on not just a language, but a way of thinking and a beautiful rich culture that continues to inspire and connect generations.”
Former Greek teacher at Albert Park in the late ‘80s, Effie Papas recalls a proverb her mother always said, «Της νύχτας τη δουλειά τη βλέπει η μέρα και γελά / The day sees the work of the night and laughs». While Effie’s mother used the proverb in relation to sewing, Effie applied it in her lessons.
“I would advise my students to be organised and not leave their work to the last minute. Working late at night wouldn’t give them the same results,” Effie says.
Katerina Manolakos, campus co-ordinator and teacher at The Greek Community of Melbourne Schools, has been with the school for 48 years and is a much loved and respected educator. Proverbs that resonate with her are «Των φρονίμων τα παιδιά πριν πεινάσουν μαγειρεύουν / The children of the wise cook before they get hungry», and «Από την πίτα που δεν τρως τι σε νοιάζει και αν καεί / From the pie you don’t eat, why do you care if it is burned».
Katerina’s love for the Greek language extends into her love of the Greek lifestyle. She said the Greek language represents “homeland, village, the touch of the soil, wildflowers in Spring, picking olives, the clear sky, the shining sun, running water, the beauty of nature and the blue sea.”
The role of the Greek language in shaping lives of Greeks around the world highlights the importance of celebrating its longevity, especially in Australia.
