A landmark report on the preservation of the Greek language across generations in Australia has been formally tabled in the Federal Parliament. Preserving a living legacy, Australia honours the Greek language, with research, conducted by Dimity Vlahos through the Australian National Internship Program at the Australian National University (ANU), was undertaken during her placement with Steve Georganas, Member for Adelaide.
“Cultivating the Greek language within the Australian diaspora looked at the landscape, the barriers that exist, and the frameworks of the Greek language in Australia,” said Mr Georganas.
The report also compared the Australian experience with other Greek diasporas, such as those in the United States and Canada, finding that Greek language retention in Australia remains significantly stronger.
“This is promising news and very positive for the Greek language in Australia,” Mr Georganas said. “It shows that the hard work and dedication of Greek communities, churches, schools, and educators are paying off.”
The release of the report coincides with World Greek Language Day, officially recognised by UNESCO on 9 February, celebrating the enduring legacy of the Greek language and its contribution to human civilisation.
A living thread of Hellenism
Greek migration has been central to Australia’s multicultural story, with the language serving as a vital thread connecting generations of Greek Australians. Yet, researchers observe a gradual shift from Greek to English among younger generations — often expressed through hybrid forms such as GrEnglish or Greeklish, where English words are interwoven into Greek speech.
“Community languages like Greek are more than just words — they’re about belonging, identity, and inter-generational connection,” said Mr Georganas, himself a second-generation Greek Australian. “Preserving multilingualism strengthens social cohesion and deepens Australia’s understanding of multiculturalism.”
The report explores generational differences in language use, noting that while first-generation migrants retain fluency, second and third generations often show a weaker emotional connection to the language — a pattern known as the ‘three-generation problem’. Remarkably, Greek appears to defy this trend, maintaining a 21 per cent retention rate among third-generation Greek Australians.
Community strength and cultural continuity
Community institutions — particularly Greek Orthodox churches, cultural associations, and language schools — continue to play a crucial role in sustaining both language and identity. These organisations foster belonging while providing affordable, community-led language education.
In South Australia alone, more than 40,000 people claim Greek ancestry, and the state continues to offer a wide network of Greek-language learning programs supported by both community and government initiatives.
A timely reminder on world Greek language day
The findings arrive as Greeks worldwide prepare to celebrate World Greek Language Day on 9 February, a date chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Dionysios Solomos, author of Greece’s national anthem.
Greek officials have described UNESCO’s ratification as a milestone in global cultural diplomacy — reaffirming that the Greek language is not merely a linguistic system, but a living vessel of philosophy, democracy, and human thought.
As the report concludes, protecting the Greek language in Australia is essential to preserving cultural identity and ensuring that future generations of Greek Australians remain connected to their heritage — a message that resonates even more deeply on a day dedicated to celebrating the language of Hellenism itself.
