‘March Greek Language Month’ in Victoria, Australia aims to preserve language

Victorian state supports campaign with funds

The Greek Diaspora in Australia is one of the largest ethnic communities in the world, with Melbourne, the capital of the state boasting the biggest ‘Greek’ city outside Greece, as it hosts approximately 300 thousand people of Greek origin. It is no surprise then that the ‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign, launched two years ago by the Greek community in Victoria, was embraced by the Australian state authorities and the locals in general. The campaign promotes the use of the Greek language throughout the month of March and encourages the upcoming generations of young Greeks to learn the language. The campaign also includes lectures, cultural activities, exhibitions, while it coincides with the celebrations of Greek Independence Day ‘March 25′. Greek is the second most popular language in Victoria after English, with 117,000 people using it at home, according to a 2011 census. Nearly 3,000 students studied Greek in government primary schools, secondary colleges and the Victorian School of Languages in 2015, while in the same year a total of 127 students studied Greek at VCE level. Commenting n the campaign, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott said Melbourne is proud to be the third largest Greek city outside of Greece, and one of the best ways to preserve and share its culture is through language’. He added that the state Labour Government will provide 20,000 AUS dollars to the campaign.

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