‘Alo, dali mou!’ is a phrase so familiar to thousands of Greek Australians. Greeklish has become an alternative ethnic ‘dialect’ for Greek migrants living in predominately English speaking countries.
The Australian Slang Project (TASP) is embarking on a project to eventually create a dictionary for the unofficial language.
TASP founder and SBS Greek radio presenter, Kyriakos Gold, says the group is in the process of establishing an online database, much like the popular Urban Dictionary website, that will allow Greek Australians to contribute their favourite Greeklish words.
The inaugural event for The Greeklish Project will be held at the Greek Centre in Melbourne, hosted by Kyriakos Gold at 7.00 pm on Saturday 25 July. The event will see storytellers test their knowledge and fight for the title of Greeklish Champion.
Slam poetry and music battles are also encouraged.
The best stage acts will win great prizes along the way, courtesy of Neos Kosmos, The Greek Centre, Hellenic Republic, Gazi restaurant and Bahari restaurant.
Helen Kapalos, George Donikian, and Dean Kalymniou will be participating with their own Greeklish projects, while special guest musicians Con Kalamaras and Anthea Sidiropoulos will keep the audience entertained.