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February 9th 2021. International Greek Language DAy
Today is Greek International language Day. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Vlasis, says is not just a reminder of our languages uninterrupted continuity through time. It is also a recognition of its timeless global contribution.
History
The Greek language is over 5,000 years old , dating back to approximately 3000BC. Its history travels so far back in time that it is universally recognised as the language that first codified higher lexical references. Not only to abstract and but also to technical concepts, that established universal values and laid the foundations for and shaped the key notions of western civilization
The Greek Language is an emotion. Intrinsically linked to the Greek national identity, the hearts and minds of Greeks, who discovered the magic of expression and the wealth of their spiritual world in its words. In its words, they found a way to establish themselves through time and to create.
Dionysios Solomos
It is the language of Dionysios Solomos, who gave us the Hymn to Liberty, our national anthem. Honouring our national poet every year on 9 February, we remember his words: “Does anything else occupy my mind but liberty and language?”
His excellent knowledge of Italian and his long residence in Italy were no obstacle to his narrating his aesthetic, linguistic and life’s progress in Greek. A narration that is etched into the birth of modern Greece. The millions of Greeks and many philhellenes in every corner of the world today are living examples of its unparalleled charm.
The beauty of the Greek language
Anyone who knows a little Greek will know that what makes Greek so unique is that it is in essence an attitude to life. In their effort to interpret the world, the Greeks created words that give meaning to existence, guide us to what is actual, what exists, and what is transcendent. Words that precisely signify singular notions, ideas and values. Democracy, Philosophy, Dialogue. This has been characteristic of the Greek Language throughout its history.
Learning a little of the language
If you can before your next holiday learn the basic of the language, You will find your Greek friends will appreciate the effort.
φιλοξενο hospitable
οικογενεια family
αγαπη love
φιλια friendship
αρμονια harmony
γλωσσα language
Some of the words that sum up the Greeks we all know
Source mfa.gr
