The recognition of February 9th as World Greek Language Day by UNESCO highlights the essential role the Greek language has played throughout history in shaping European and global culture.
The UNESCO recognition of February 9th as World Greek Language Day underscores the critical role the Greek language has played across centuries in the establishment of both European and global culture. By describing the Greek language as the 'longest-lasting living water in the world,' which descends down from the white hair of Homer, it reflects a rich cultural heritage that has profoundly contributed to the evolution of civilizations. This cultural heritage is not only a source of pride but a foundation for future generations.
This recognition comes as a positive continuation of the establishment of the Day of Remembrance for the national poet Dionysios Solomos, which was instituted as World Greek Language Day through a joint decision by the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Education, Research, and Religious Affairs in April 2017. The left-wing political party SYRIZA is proud of this development, asserting that their government initiative carried out the initial proposal from the Federation of Greek Communities in Italy and the decisions of the Special Permanent Committee on Hellenism of Diaspora.
Acknowledging the importance of the Greek language in contemporary society calls for both short-term and long-term strategies to promote and sustain its use. This initiative is not only about preserving a language but also about safeguarding cultural identity and heritage, emphasizing the need for a vision to ensure that the Greek language thrives in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
