Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister marks International Greek Language Day

·

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, has issued a special message today to mark International Greek Language Day.

In the message, Mr Vlasis acknowledges the timeless contribution of the language to the world, as well as its uninterrupted continuity for over 5,000 years.

Full message in English:

The day of celebration for the Greek language is not only a reminder of the uninterrupted continuity of our language in time, but also a recognition of its timeless contribution to the world. It is in this recognition that the essence of the establishment of its annual celebration lies.

The Greek language is more than five thousand years old, in its early Greek form, from around 3000 BC to today. Despite its many adjustments over the centuries, it is the thread that connects the moments of thousands of years in a single historical timeline. Its historical authenticity travels so far back in time that it can, unquestionably, be attributed to the scepters of the language it codified, such as superior lexical references to both abstract and technical concepts which established universal values ​​and shaped its conceptualism.

According to the French academic and Hellenist Jacqueline de Romilly: “If Greece asked us to remove from our language the Greek words it lent us, Western civilisation would collapse.” This legacy is an unshakable multiplier of mild but structural power for our country.

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister marks International Greek Language Day.

READ MORE: TGH Exclusive: Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, shares his new initiatives for Greeks abroad.

The Greek language is a feeling. It is inextricably linked to the Greek national identity, the heart and mind of the Greeks, who in their words, discovered the magic of expressing their rich, vibrant world. In their words, they found a way to establish themselves in time and to create.

The Greek language is a poetic language. Greece is rightly remembered over time for the two Nobel Prizes awarded to it by Georgios Seferis and Odysseas Elytis, who sculpted words in a unique way. It is the language of Dionysios Solomos, who gave us our National Anthem ‘Hymn to Liberty.’

When we honour the memory of our national poet on February 9 every year, we remember his words: “I have no other thing in my mind, than freedom and language.” His excellent knowledge of Italian and his long stay in Italy did not stand in the way of narrating his aesthetic, linguistic and experiential course in Greek. A story which left its mark on the birth of modern Greece. The millions of Greeks and many Philhellenes in every corner of the earth today, are a living example of its incomparable charm.

The characteristic, however, which makes our language unique, is that it is an attitude of life. The Greeks, in their attempt to interpret the world, created words which have the capacity to give meaning to existence, to lead to the realisation of the real, the existing, but also the transcendent. Words that accurately convey self-existent concepts, ideas and values; democracy, philosophy, dialogue, hard work. This characteristic runs throughout the Greek language during its historical course of life.

Through the Greek Language, the language of the Gospels and the Patriarchal Texts of the Church, the universal message of Truth, Faith, Love and Peace was spread and continues to be spread to this day.

“From the time Homer spoke until today, we speak, breathe and sing the same language,” writes Georgios Seferis, simply and vividly describing the timelessness, the emotional wealth and the attitude towards life and essence, as reflected in the Greek language. Its teaching is the duty of all of us for the preservation and dissemination of Greek Culture.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Public outcry as Yarra Council upholds order to remove gate at Alphington Grammar

People have united in strong opposition to a controversial decision by Yarra City Council to remove a front gate at Alphington Grammar School

Kyrgios and Osaka join forces for US Open mixed doubles shake-up

Nick Kyrgios is set to return to the court at this year’s US Open in a high-profile mixed doubles pairing with Naomi Osaka.

Kastellorizian spirit, Australian heart: Eleni Millios-Hullick’s mission to cure brain cancer

Eleni Millios-Hullick is a passionate Greek Australian from Townsville, Queensland, and the current CEO of The Cure Starts Now Australia.

Arthur Sinodinos AO shares strategic global insights at Business Sydney briefing

Former Australian Ambassador to the United States, the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, delivered a timely and insightful address.

Victoria Floratos crafts beauty from fragile shells and migrant histories

In a Richmond studio, surrounded by tubs of meticulously washed eggshells, Victoria Floratos is piecing together more than just artworks.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek recipes: Soutzoukakia

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for soutzoukakia with The Greek Herald. Follow her on instagram @mygreekkitchen.

Celebration of Hellenism at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney this May

A Greek taverna with live music and tavli boards will be recreated at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum.

Fire breaks out in refugee camp in Samos [VIDEO]

A second fire in one week broke out in the refugee camp on Samos on Sunday evening. No injuries have been reported.