Insight or Perspective: “The ideal would be a complete bilingual teaching system”

·

By Eleni Elefterias

I have been talking to various Australian-born Greek Speakers about their experiences of learning Greek and what they view as the problem with language learning today.

“The Greek language is important to me. It is part of my identity, my heritage. I love it for it’s amazing history, for the traditions and the language,” says Persa Thliveris and goes on to explain what she loves about the language and what in her opinion the problem with language learning.

What do you love about the language?

“I love the fact that I can converse and express myself in Greek, am able to speak with my family in Greece, in Greek and am able to read books in Greek, listen to Greek music and understand all the lyrics and poetry.”

I know you attended Greek School at Paddington and are fluent in the language but how did you keep the language alive for your children?

“Both my children were taught Greek. Besides Greek school and tutors, I used to have Cartoon videos for them to watch and Greek songs playing in the car.”

What about your grandchildren?

“It is a bit more difficult with them but I intend to persevere. My children completed HSC Greek as I did too so it is important to me for them to continue to learn the language.”

What do you consider the problem with language learning today?

“People think it’s more helpful to teach their children English rather than Greek as they think it may lead to confusion when, in actual fact, the opposite is true. Children at young ages are able to learn and cope with learning languages quite easily. It is good for the brain as well.” 

What do you think we should do to promote the Greek language?

“Educating people of Greek background and making them aware of the significance of passing on the Greek language to their children. The ideal would be a complete bilingual system of teaching in our schools.” 

*Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis is a teacher of Modern Greek and University lecturer. 

Read Eleni Elefterias’ column ‘Insight or Perspective’ in Greek, every Saturday in The Greek Herald’s print edition or get your subscription here.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled-2020-11-15T185819.367.jpg

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

Burwood RSL donates $14,000 to support St Nectarios’ Cottage Kitchen

St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood has received a $14,000 ClubGrant from Burwood RSL to continue vital community work.

Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work

The NT’s Greek community is celebrating humanitarian nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos, recognised for her service to global health.

You May Also Like

Prominent poet Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke dies, aged 81

Acclaimed Greek poet and translator Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke died on Tuesday, aged 81. Anghelaki-Rooke was born in Athens in 1939 and studied in Athens, France and...

Emmanouil Karalis makes history as first Greek pole vaulter to clear six metres

Olympic bronze medallist Emmanouil Karalis became the first Greek pole vaulter to have jumped higher than six metres on Sunday.

Blue Star baby: Ferry captain helps deliver baby mid-transit

Baby's always seem to want 'break free' at the worst times and, for this lady, it happened to be only two hours after their ferry had set sail for Piraeus.