One week into Speak Greek month, organisers say the project is on track to make a significant impact on how the language is viewed and used in Victoria, and that the project’s mission – to celebrate its use – has attracted global interest.
Project coordinator Mike Zafiropoulos told Neos Kosmos he was “elated” by the project’s progress.
“It is way beyond our expectations. Already we’ve had three major TV channels from Greece reporting it. The media in Greece have embraced the idea enthusiastically,” said Mr Zafiropoulos, who added that diaspora groups in the UK were looking to replicate the project in London.
“Here in Australia we’re getting interest from other states, for instance a school in Perth wants to get involved, so this idea is spreading.”
Mr Zafiropoulos said that early indications show a number of Greek-related organisations in Victoria had begun using the language more in meetings, and language-learning activities in schools had accelerated.
“I know in Victoria that in the first week a number of organisations are using Greek more, and from all accounts a lot of people are using the language more, particularly in schools.”
“We’ll be able to detect just how much more Greek is being spoken because of the project when March is over.”
Meanwhile, celebrities of Greek heritage have rallied to the call, backing the ambitious initiative.
Journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos told Neos Kosmos that Speak Greek month was an initiative that couldn’t be closer to her heart.
“I really wish the project every success. Twenty years ago when my dear mum passed away, so did my confident grasp of the Greek language. Sadly I allowed the decline,” she said.
“With age I’ve come to fully realise and appreciate the nuances and the cultural strength contained in the words gifted to me by my ancestors…
“I only wish I’d held up the importance of maintaining my Greek in the same way that I embraced English. It’s hard to admit it, but I was more articulate as a 10-year-old Greek than I am now!”
Last year Ms Kapalos enrolled in adult Greek school to revive her ability in the language.
From the world of professional sport, rising AFL star Jimmy Toumpas – who plays for the Demons – said he would be doing his bit to speak more Greek in the weeks ahead.
“I’m very strong on opening up and sharing where you come from, and the culture you’ve been brought up in. I’m pretty passionate about that stuff,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“You don’t want to forget where your family come from and what they went through to come to Australia – to give you the life you have today.”
Toumpas – who is an AFL multicultural ambassador – said his Greek heritage was often a point of interest for his teammates.
“They ask if I speak Greek. I’m not great at it, but I can speak a bit.”
Asked if he would find a chance to inject Greek into his footy this month, the 21-year-old midfielder is up for it.
“If I called for the ball in Greek during a game it would probably confuse them a bit, but I might use it in training to see how they will react. I’ll give it a go!”
Meanwhile, Australia’s most famous Greek Australian chef, the inimitable George Calombaris, served up his trademark enthusiasm for all things Greek – and the Speak Greek project – in a video promotion on March 1.
“Jeez, I love Australia,” said the flamboyant master chef. “I love what we’re all about, but can I tell you one thing? I’m proud of all the Greeks that came here and put their stamp on this wonderful place, so I declare as of today, for the whole month of March, that we speak Greek. Mιλάμε ελληνικά! Πάμε!”
Speak Greek in March is sponsored by Merino & Jumbuck, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and Community Languages Australia.
For more info go to www.speakgreekinmarch.com
