In celebration of World Greek Language Day, the School of Modern Greek Language at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) has shared touching messages from its students: “It is the language that sounds sweeter than any bird.”
World Greek Language Day, celebrated every year on February 9, commemorates the death of Dionysios Solomos, Greece’s national poet. Established in 2017 through a joint decision by the Greek Ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Education, the day is marked with events in educational institutions across Greece and Greek language departments worldwide.
The School of Modern Greek Language at AUTh has made a remarkable contribution to the celebration, having taught over 37,000 students from across the globe since its inception in 1999. The school has recently expanded its reach by offering online courses. Since 2015, 500 students have participated in these digital programs, and more than 1,200 students have also enrolled in Greek language courses through Erasmus+ and Epicur programs.
In honor of this day, the School of Modern Greek Language shared testimonials from its students, emphasizing the deep impact of learning Greek: “The Greek lessons were exceptional, very interesting, and inspiring… No one taught me a language with such enthusiasm… I liked that I learned a completely new language within a year at the B2 level… Greek is the language of my ancestors. It is the language that sounds sweeter than any bird. It is the language of love. The Greek language, completely different from the others, highlights the beauty of diversity and universalism…”
A Legacy of Language and Culture
The School of Modern Greek Language, operating since 1977, continues to honor the Greek language and its rich legacy. Greek, a language with more than 3,500 years of history, played a central role in shaping the Mediterranean and Eastern regions. Greece has profoundly influenced human thought through its philosophical and literary works, contributing to the development of universal civilization.
The School at AUTh preserves this rich tradition and is committed to spreading the language in the modern world. Offering in-person and online courses, the school uses innovative methods to make Greek accessible to a global audience.
Innovations in Language Learning
The SMGL at AUTh has received recognition for its commitment to Greek language education, particularly with its online courses. The online Greek courses, which began in 2015, have already attracted over 500 students worldwide. Furthermore, the program has become integral to exchange programs, with over 1,200 students joining Greek language classes through Erasmus+ and Epicur.
The school’s online program has earned international acclaim for its innovative approach. The curriculum incorporates modern, interactive digital tools and multimedia content, offering students a highly engaging learning experience. The flexibility of both synchronous and asynchronous learning also ensures that students can learn at their own pace, wherever they are.
In recognition of its efforts, the SMGL has received multiple accolades. In 2016, it was awarded the European Language Label for its “Online Greek Course A1 & A2,” it received an additional award for its program “Greek Language, Society, and Culture.” The school was further honored in 2022 with the European Language Label for its project “New without Borders/World in Order.”
A Continuing Commitment to Greek Language and Culture
The School of Modern Greek Language honors the Greek language daily by teaching students worldwide. With its global reach, innovative teaching methods, and student-centered approach, the SMGL at AUTh significantly promotes the Greek language and culture on the international stage.
As part of its ongoing mission, the school continues to build partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide to expand and enrich its offerings. Above all, the school remains committed to fostering a love for the Greek language and culture, as expressed in the heartfelt words of its students: “Greek is the language of my ancestors. It is the language that sounds sweeter than any bird.”
Source: skai
