Pontian associations in Greece are embracing the slogan “If we forget, we will be lost,” as they reach out to the third generation of Pontians who have arrived in Greece and dispersed around the world. Distance is no longer a barrier, thanks to the internet, which ensures immediacy, communication, and education.
Yiota Ioakemidou, a philologist and Pontic dialect teacher at PAMAK, a member of the Panhellenic Pontian Association, and an author, highlights the growing interest in the Pontic dialect, a foundational pillar of the Greek language, among those who cherish Greek culture.
After offering lessons at the university, the focus has now shifted to the Greek community in Australia.
Through online lessons, accessing the hearts of those residing on such a distant continent is now a matter of seconds.
The driving force behind this effort is the significant interest among expatriates in Australia to learn the Pontic dialect, extending beyond those of Pontian descent.
Irrespective of age and place of residence, individuals are eager to revive their connection to the ancestral language.
With the assistance of Maria Anthoni, president of the Pontian Association ‘Xeniteas’, a mental return journey begins.
Ms Anthoni’s parents, born in Pieria with roots in Pontos, did not pass down the Pontic language to their children.
Their knowledge was limited to the memories of their grandparents.
During their childhood in Australia, they did not speak Pontic, as the first generation of Greek immigrants was focused on adapting and learning English.
This ongoing interest from the expatriate community demonstrates that one’s homeland is defined by their place of origin and the memories they carry through language and customs.
