Australia is becoming more linguistically diverse, but the number of third and second generation Australians who speak more languages other than English at home is decreasing.

Recent census data shows a rapid decline in popular languages such as Greek and Italian. The seminar, titled “The Greek language in Australia: past, present and future – challenges and perspectives”, aims to analyse the problem at 2pm on 26 May.

The event is being hosted as part of the “Speak Greek in March … but beyond it too” campaign. The aim of the seminar is, on one hand to examine the problems, the challenges and the current reality that the Greek language faces in the Diaspora and on the other hand, to look into future activities, innovations and ideas of educators, organisations and individuals, who are interested in promoting and retaining the Greek language.

READ MORE: Free app by teen entrepreneur/whiz kid teaches children the Greek language

Consequently, emphasis will be given to identifying solutions, exploring ideas for improvement and generally investigating ways to keep the Greek language alive in Australia.

The program is as follows:

2:00 – 2:05 Introduction: Mike Zafiropoulos AM, JP, “We Speak Greek in March… but beyond it too”

2:05 – 2:25 First Session

Current state of affairs, trends, experiences of other similar countries of the Diaspora, perspectives

Chair: Mike Zafiropoulos AM, JPIntroductory video by George Mpampiniotis, Professor of Linguistics and former Chancellor of the National Kapodistrian University of AthensSpeaker: Dr Vrasidas Karalis, Professor, Department of Modern Greek, University of Sydney

2:25 – 2:35 Discussion

2:35 – 3:25 Second Session

Role of Greek language schools and other educational organisations, support of Australian/Greek governments, challenges, suggestions for improvements, innovations, cooperation, coordination, experiences of other language communities

Chair: Dr Thanasis Spilias

Speakers: Dr Chris Fifis- Research Associate, La Trobe University; Dr Georgia Nikolaidou- Greek Consul of Educational Affairs, Australia and New Zealand; Tassos Douvartzides- Chair, Community Languages Australia; Iacovos Garivaldis OAM- Chair, Association of Greek language and Culture Schools; Manos Tsimpragos- Principle of the Greek Language Schools, Greek Community; Yiannis Kostarakis- Principle, Greek School “Nestoras”; Chris Zografos-Teacher, Thornbury High School

3:25 – 3:35 Discussion

3:35 – 4:05 Third Session

Particular experiences of Day Schools, Greek language in the School’s curriculum, contribution to the retention and promotion of the GreekChair: Kyriakos Amanatidis OAMSpeakers: Dr Vivianne Nikou- Principal, Alphington Grammar School; Ms Agatha Anamourlis– Head of Junior School, St John’s Greek Orthodox College; Ms Kiki Kousourakis- Head of LOTE, Oakleigh Grammar

4:05 – 4:15 Discussion

4.15 – 4.35 Coffee Break

4:35 – 5:00 Fourth Session

Particular experiences of Greek Community Media, contribution to the retention and promotion of the Greek languageChair: John Pandazopoulos- General Secretary, Hellenic Interparliamentary Association, former Victorian Government MinisterSpeakers: Ross Alatzas- General manager, 3XY/ Ta Nea; Sotiris Hatzimanolis– Editor-in-Chief, Neos Kosmos; Themis Kallos– Executive Producer, SBS Radio, Greek Program

5:00 – 5:10 Discussion

5:10 – 5:35 Fifth SessionParticular experiences of individuals (such as descendants of mixed marriages), Greek and non Greek students of the Greek language, the role of parents and grandparents

Chair: Cathy Alexopoulos OAM- President, Greek Australian Cultural League of MelbourneSpeakers: Ms Tammy Iliou– 2nd generation mother, Fotios Tsiouklas– 18-year old app producer; Ms Vasso Zangali- mixed marriage descendant mother; Katrina Zika- non-Greek background student of Greek; Grigorios Bairamis– grandfather; Ioanna Liakakou- grandmother

5:35 – 5:45 Discussion

5:45 – 6:25 Sixth Session

Future perspectives, funding, role of providers and community organizations, the possibility of creating a Hellenic Language Foundation, cooperation with other language minorities, pertinent proposals for the strengthening of the Greek languageChair: Dr Dimitrios Gonis– Lecturer, Greek Studies Program, La Trobe UniversitySpeakers: Dean Kalimniou- lawyer, journalist, poet; Dr Stephie Nikoloudis- Coordinator, Greek Studies Program, La Trobe University; Dr Maria Herodotou- Research Associate, La Trobe University; Dr Nick Dallas– Education Committee, Greek Community of Melbourne; Dr Dimitrios Salambasis– Director, Master of FinTech, Swinburne University

6:25 – 6:35 Discussion

6:35 – 6:45 Synopsis: Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Department of Modern Greek, University of Sydney

Challenges and perspectives

Date: Sunday, 26 May, 2:00 pm (within the framework of the Campaign “Speak Greek in March … but beyond it too”)
Venue: Mezzanine, Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne