Greek is not a relic of the past. It’s a living, dynamic language with global potential—and a vital tool for the future. That’s the message at the heart of the new Hellenic Language Institute (INEL), led by Evangelia Georgantzi, a veteran educator with decades of experience teaching Greek as a second and foreign language.

Speaking to AMNA from the Acropolis Museum, where INEL’s inaugural conference recently took place, Georgantzi laid out the institute’s mission: to preserve, promote, and expand the use of Greek worldwide, not only among diaspora communities but for anyone seeking access to a language rich in philosophy, precision, and cultural depth.

A language of thought, not just tradition

Founded with support from the Qualco Foundation and Qualco Group, INEL envisions Greek not simply as a ‘heritage language’ but as a contemporary tool of expression, cognition, and intercultural understanding. An estimated 13–15 million people worldwide currently speak Greek, either as a first or second language. Georgantzi’s goal is to grow that number through education, cultural diplomacy, and digital innovation.

“The Greek language has an unmatched ability to express abstract concepts with philosophical depth,” she explained. “It offers both historical continuity and a modern voice, bridging the past and pointing toward the future.”

The challenge for the Diaspora: A living legacy

Georgantzi pointed to a dual challenge, especially for Greek communities abroad: preventing language loss among second, third, and now fourth-generation Greek Australians, while also making the language appealing to broader audiences.

“It’s a huge success if we can convince even a fraction of language lovers to choose Greek. But equally, we must help young diaspora Greeks see their grandparents’ language not as a burden, but as a professional and personal asset.”

The key? A coordinated effort between families, schools, and institutions. “The most powerful ally,” she said, “is the family unit.”

Modern tools for a timeless language

INEL’s strategy includes initiatives like the Ellinika Gia Sas (“Greek for You”) program, supported in 11 languages, and the embrace of digital tools that support hybrid and personalised learning.

At the conference, over 20 universities from 15 countries shared innovative teaching methods. Notably, Australia’s use of the VoiceThread platform and the unveiling of Kri-Kri, a Greek AI language tool developed by the Athena Research Center as a companion to ChatGPT, drew major interest.

Sessions focused on experiential learning, intercultural mediation, and AI in education. “The exchange of best practices can benefit both Greek education abroad and domestic public schools,” Georgantzi added.

The future: A permanent global forum

A major outcome of the conference is INEL’s plan to institutionalise it as a recurring global forum. The next steps include creating a scientific network and building partnerships with international organisations and Greek language programs abroad.

“The future of Greek,” Georgantzi insists, “depends on whether we treat it solely as a legacy or also as a language of creativity, science, and modern identity.”

In her final remarks, she returned to optimism: “The Greek language renews itself when it engages with the world. It thrives not in isolation, but in dialogue.”