World Greek Language Day, one year since its establishment
The establishment of a World Greek Language Day, inspired by the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos, marks a significant achievement after years of advocacy led by professor Giannis Korinthios.
World Greek Language Day has finally been established, marking a significant occasion for the Greek community associated with its national poet, Dionysios Solomos. This achievement represents the culmination of a long-standing effort that began in 2014, inspired by professor Giannis Korinthios, who has devoted himself to the promotion of the modern Greek language at universities in Naples and Calabria since 1979. Other countries had recognized similar commemorations long before Greece, making this establishment particularly meaningful for the Greek language diaspora.
The campaign for World Greek Language Day saw extensive collaboration ranging from high schools in Greece to Greek communities abroad, particularly in Naples and Campania. Key figures supporting this initiative, besides Korinthios, included esteemed academics such as Georgios Babiniotis and Christos Klairis, which exemplifies the collective academic effort to honor and promote the Greek language on a global platform. Their dedication highlights the importance of maintaining cultural heritage through language, especially in regions where the Greek language has historical significance.
This new day of recognition serves not only to celebrate the Greek language but also to encourage its learning and use among new generations. With a global audience in mind, this initiative aims to strengthen the cultural ties within the Greek diaspora and raise awareness about the richness of the Greek language. As we celebrate this milestone, the ongoing efforts of educators and communities will be paramount in ensuring that the language continues to thrive in a global context, safeguarding its heritage for future generations.