Insight or Perspective: If we lose the language we lose everything!

·

By Eleni Elefterias.

(PART 1)

A lot has been written about the need to preserve our Greek language and culture in Australia.

Many Greek associations, even those set up from before the great influx of migration on the 1950’s and 1960’s, have as part of their constitutions the main goal being the preservation of Greek language and culture.

However, as the years go by it is the Greek language that is suffering the greatest loss. Why does this happen?

Over the next few weeks this column will specifically look at Greek education in Australia from pre-school to University level and beyond and discuss some important issues such as the relationship of language and culture to identity.

What subsequent generations of Greek Australians born in Australia, to which category I also belong, consider important to them is of utmost importance as is the attitude of first-generation Greeks as well. 

As Australian born Greeks our identity is made up of cultural and familial aspects which we decide to choose from. For some keeping the Orthodox faith is more important than keeping the language for example. For others, learning to speak is more important than learning to read. 

If you are interested in finding a way to keep the language alive and active for your children then I hope that this column will be of particular assistance to you. 

Why is it that when children are young many parents send them to Greek school to learn the basics. In Early Stage 1 (Kindy) and Stage 1 learning (Years 1 and 2) is a lot of fun but as they enter years 3 and 4 and beyond the excitement subsides and numbers start to dwindle?

What can we do about it? Next week I offer some explanation and advice. 

*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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Rugby chief Peter V’landys addresses speculation about his future

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and CEO of Racing NSW, has addressed speculation about his future.

You May Also Like

Tsitsipas powers past Tabilo to reach Paris Masters third round

Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11) prevailed with a 2-0 set (6-3, 6-4) against Alejandro Tabilo (No. 22), qualifying for the "16" of Paris Masters.

Greek Orthodox church in Kogarah receives $40,000 grant to render outside facade

Kogarah’s Greek Orthodox church will render its outside facade after receiving a $40,000 grant from the New South Wales government.

‘You make us proud’: Greece’s Foreign Minister sends Christmas message to Greek Australians

Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has issued an exclusive message to The Greek Herald to send his Christmas wishes to Greek Australians.