For a language that has given us so much, it is time for us to give back the claim and recognition it deserves.
The Greek language has been known more than 3,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest living languages. It is also the basis of many languages and has influenced mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and so on.
The first initiative to establish an International Greek Language Day was proposed in 2014 by the Greeks and Italian communities. The Greek government eventually adopted the proposal in 2016 and a plenary session of the Greek parliament unanimously accepted it.
February 9 was assigned as the International Greek Language Day in commemoration of the great Greek poet and author of the national anthem, Dionysos Solomos. The initiative to establish a Greek Language Day highlights the fundamental role this language has played in world culture throughout the centuries.
“Our language is our homeland, it is our culture, it is our history,” Kazantzakis had said.
To honour the Greek Language on its International day, a small gathering was organized at the Greek Community of Beirut. It was inaugurated by a welcoming speech given by H.E the Ambassador Ms. Fountoulaki. Students then conducted a brief presentation which was followed by a short movie portraying Mrs. Zachariou who was a former student at the first Greek school and became later on a teacher.
