Greek language thrives in Australia despite generational shifts and cultural evolution
Over 40,000 South Australians claim Greek ancestry, with the language and culture playing a significant role in their identity. A recent report, 'Cultivating the Greek Language within the Australian Diaspora', has shed light on the language's landscape and the efforts to preserve it.
The report, commissioned by Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas, found that while there's a shift towards English among younger Greek Australians, with hybrid forms like 'GrEnglish' or 'Greeklish' emerging, the language retention is better in Australia than in the US and Canada. Remarkably, 21% of third-generation Greek Australians still retain the language, defying the typical decline by the third generation. Community centers and Greek Orthodox churches play a vital role in sustaining the language and culture. Dimity Vlahos, the report's researcher, stressed the importance of protecting the Greek language for cultural identity and intergenerational connection. UNESCO has recognized the global cultural legacy of the Greek language by ratifying February 9 as World Greek Language Day.
The report highlights the resilience of the Greek language in Australia, with community efforts and official recognition helping to preserve it. Despite shifts in language use among younger generations, the language remains a vital connection to cultural heritage and identity.
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