Foreign Scholars Praise Greek Language Legacy and Significance

Foreign writers and scholars celebrated the Greek language on 9 February, the International Day of the Greek Language, emphasising its global significance and enduring value. They described Greek as both a unique expression of Greek culture and a universal intellectual heritage.

Italian author Elena D’Ambrogio Navone, whose book The Nights of Kos will soon be published in Greek, said the language “crosses centuries” and carries “the breath of the Aegean and the courage to question existence.” She added that Greek will continue to flourish wherever people write, love, and dream in it.

Francesco Neri, director of the Italian Institute in Athens, recalled studying Ancient Greek at 14 and continuing to use it throughout his life. He highlighted that Greek study strengthens cultural ties between Italy and Greece and preserves the legacy of classical education.

In Spain and Catalonia, Greek studies remain vibrant, said Greek scholar and translator Eusebi Ayensa Prat. He noted that universities and “humanities high schools” offer courses in Ancient and Modern Greek, ensuring the continuity of linguistic and literary tradition despite challenges in humanities education.

Camillo Neri, Professor of Greek Language at the University of Bologna, described innovative teaching methods that transform Greek instruction into a “reading workshop,” fostering comprehension and engagement with classical texts.

Scholars warn that interest in Greek and humanities studies is declining as students focus on STEM and digital fields. Francesco Neri noted reduced enrollment in Italian classical schools, while Eusebi Ayensa highlighted similar trends in Spain, where some schools skip Ancient Greek courses due to low student numbers.

Despite these challenges, experts emphasised the enduring relevance of Greek classics. Camillo Neri stated that classical texts remain “European and global literature” that every citizen can engage with, offering a heritage that nurtures critical thought and intellectual freedom in the modern world.

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ancient Greek, Camillo Neri, Classical Studies, cultural heritage, Elena D’Ambrogio Navone, Eusebi Ayensa Prat, Francesco Neri, global literature, Greece news, Greek City Times, Greek language, Greek news, humanities, International Day of Greek Language, modern Greek