Author, journalist, and former ABC Radio Australia presenter Dr. Phil Kafcaloudes is set to deliver a lecture titled “Going English: The Greek Migrants Who Left Their Family Names Behind” on Thursday, August 1 at The Greek Centre.
As part of the GCM’s Greek History and Culture Seminars series Dr. Kafcaloudes will explore the historical and cultural contexts that led many Greek migrants to anglicise their family names upon arriving in Australia.
His research delves into Australia’s evolving attitudes towards migration and integration, shedding light on a significant yet often overlooked aspect of the migrant experience while his extensive survey of Greek-Australians and their descendants shows how individuals navigate cultural shifts when relocating to a new country, challenging perceptions about identity and assimilation.
“In a name-proud Greek culture, the decision to anglicise one’s family name is a profound study in migratory and cultural dynamics,” says Kafcaloudes.
Kafcaloudes’ career includes presenting the breakfast program on ABC‘s Radio Australia for nine years, and his 2022 publication “Australia Calling,” which details the history of international broadcasting. He has taught journalism at La Trobe University and RMIT, earning recognition from the Journalism Education and Research Association. His work in journalism education spans several countries, including South Africa, Vietnam, Malaysia, Fiji, Samoa, and PNG. Additionally, his novel “Someone Else’s War” was translated into Greek and adapted into a play, “Of Forgetting,” set to premiere at La Mama Theatre in Melbourne in September 2024.
Attendees of the lecture can expect a thought-provoking discussion that intersects history, sociology, and personal narratives, highlighting the enduring legacy of migration on cultural identity.
When: Thursday, August 1 at 7pm
Where: Mezzanine Level, The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
For more information, call +61 3 9662 2722 or email info@greekcommunity.com.au
