As the only Victorian university offering a comprehensive program in Greek language and culture studies, La Trobe University offers students from other universities, who study Greek as an elective, credit towards their home institution’s degree.
Dr Stavroula Nikoloudis, Coordinator of Greek Studies program at La Trobe University told Neos Kosmos that it can be tailored as a stand-alone Diploma in Modern Greek language, by taking one subject per semester, alongside their main degree. La Trobe also offers beginner and post-VCE language levels.
Dr Nikoloudis said that students are “diverse, Greek and non-Greek and come at different levels of Greek language competency.”
“Some studied Greek at high school, others stopped at primary school, and some have never studied Greek.”
She added that students studying Greek have done better in other studies such as humanities, literature, art, economics, politics, sciences and mathematics.
Dr Nikoloudis said that Greek, is a foundational language that builds better English comprehension and assists in learning other languages.
“Uncovering meanings of English and Greek vocabulary, the building blocks of any language, is just one of the advantages.”
“The more perspectives we encounter through different cultures and languages, the better decisions we can make about the kind of society we wish to create for ourselves,” Dr Nikoloudis told Neos Kosmos.
For those of Greek heritage it also built greater connection to family and culture. Dr Nikoloudis said that Greek language also adds to greater social cohesion, diversity and understanding.
“Its musicality, depth and enduring relevance adds a richness to their lives that increases their appreciation of the intrinsic value of our multicultural and multilingual society.”
“As Prof. Joe Lo Bianco has noted (Pharos, 2021), losing the linguistic diversity that currently exists in Australia would mean losing a precious gift. If you have ever thought about learning Greek, this is the time to do it!”
In 2022, the Greek Studies program at La Trobe has been focusing on providing a rewarding student experience as well as undertaking research on language and culture relating to Greece, Cyprus, and the diaspora in Australia, Dr Nikoloudis said.
“In addition to collaborating with overseas institutions, we have been establishing internships at local community organisations, in order to equip our students with career skills,” she explained, stressing that these placements enable them to contribute to our diverse and inclusive society.
“Most recently, we have had students at the Greek Centre at Lonsdale St and at 3ZZZ-Greek radio. We thank Jorge Menidis and Elias Diacolabrianos, respectively, for their excellent mentorship. We thank Syrmo Kapoutsi, from the Greek Consulate, for her invaluable assistance with oral classes. The program has also been working very closely with the MGTAV and other organisations on the Pharos project, implementing the Modern Greek Strategic Plan to revitalise Greek language education in Victoria/Australia. It is inspiring to see so many current and former students join this initiative. Together, we have the opportunity to maintain and increase the vitality of the Greek language in Australia.”
Grateful to all the donors who contributed last year to the financial arrangement for the future of the program, Dr Nikoloudis acknowledged the individuals and organisations such as the GOCMV, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Mr Tassos Revis, AHEPA Victoria, Findella Pty Ltd, Toorak Law Pty Ltd, Patisteas P & A, Spiros Papadopoulos, Jim Koutsoukis, Dean Kotsianis, Michael Kakogiannis, and a multitude of anonymous donors for their offers.
“We would also like to acknowledge our benefactor, the late Mr Anastassios Vassilogianis, whose generous bequest is of profound importance for the program,” she said.
It is worth noting that in April, Greek Minister of Culture and Sport, the Hon. Dr Lina Mendoni, reiterated the Greek government’s support for the program during her visit to La Trobe, where she viewed items from the Dardalis Archives and met community representatives of local sporting organisations, whose impressive show of support for the program was deeply appreciated.
These included representatives invited by Steering Committee member Prof. Greg Stamboulidis: Chris Nikou from Football Australia, Kimon Taliadoros from Football Victoria, Jason Sourasis and Chris Pehlivanis from Western United FC, Joe Palatsides from Melbourne Victory FC, Nick Maikousis from South Melbourne FC (Hellas), and Steve Tsalikidis from Heidelberg United (Megas Alexandros).
“This is a special year for La Trobe; we are celebrating 40 years of the teaching of Greek at the university and 25 years of the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora,” Dr Nikoloudis said.
“We are planning a celebration of these milestones in November and we invite you to join us. Please remember to encourage the students in your lives, as well as other friends and relatives, to enrol in Greek at La Trobe. The program has a lot to offer, but it needs more student enrolments.”
Teachers can organise through the MGTAV for their students to visit the program. The date is yet to be confirmed. The next school visit is set to take place on 30 July ahead of La Trobe’s Open Day on Sunday 7 August, prior to holding at Antipodes in October.
To find out more contact s.nikoloudis@latrobe.edu.au
