Perspectives: If we lose the language we lose everything!

·

By Eleni Elefterias

What is it that makes us Greek? Recently in an article on the Quora site someone asked that same question and the answers were interesting.

Is it that they must be born of Greek parents or share some Greek heritage? Do they have to be Greek Orthodox?  Must they partake in some form of cultural activity such as learning the language, dancing the traditional dances and / or cooking the traditional meals?

Though there are people who belong to all of the above categories here in Australia, there are many in Greece who may not be ethnically Greek but still speak the language and even partake in many cultural activities and sometimes even share the same religion. For example, the many people of Albanian background in Greece today, who consider themselves Greek.

There may not be such a thing as a pure ethnic Greek and let it be clear that this issue is far deeper and fraught with all sorts of problems and is definitely not within the scope of this column. However, we cannot deny that if someone feels Greek, whether they speak the language or not, then they are Greek. Also, if someone is ethnically Greek but denies it then that is their problem and they may never know what they are missing out on.

For us here in Australia you know you are Greek when there is a yearning inside you to teach your children the traditions you grew up with or those you missed out on and wished you had grown up with if that makes sense.

For me it is also important to know the language though, as one academic and linguist, who is also a friend of mine, Dr Jill Murray, pointed out is not a necessity in having a Greek identity.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Kia ad sparks outrage among Greek Australians over ‘Macedonian Marble’ reference

Kia Australia faces backlash from Greek Australians over an ad showing “Macedonian Marble” alongside Parthenon-style columns.

Unley High students enjoy second annual cultural immersion trip to Melbourne

The Unley High School Greek language programme successfully conducted its second annual interstate cultural immersion trip to Melbourne.

Tass Mourdoukoutas among departures as Perth Glory begin squad shake-up

Tass Mourdoukoutas is set to leave Perth Glory, with the club confirming his departure alongside three other players.

Panathinaikos unveil special jersey for Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia

Panathinaikos AKTOR has revealed a special edition jersey for the upcoming Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia.

Beloved International Cakes owner Bill Batzogiannis passes away

Melbourne’s Greek community is mourning the loss of Vassilis “Bill” Batzogiannis, beloved owner of International Cakes.

You May Also Like

Mourners claim they have been banned from visiting Melbourne cemeteries

Mourners are confused by restrictions around visiting cemeteries in Victoria, with police saying people are allowed to mourn but with social distance.

Ambassador Alison Duncan visits Australian crews battling wildfires across Greece

Australian Ambassador Duncan visited Elefsis Airbase on Saturday, to welcome Australian firefighting crews aiding Greece’s wildfire response.

Greek Community of Melbourne to hold Lonsdale Street Greek Music Festival this weekend

The Greek Community of Melbourne is holding a 'Lonsdale Street Greek Music Festival' this year on March 20-21.