The first anniversary of the Global Day of Greek Language was celebrated in China with a special event titled “Languages as Carriers of Global Civilization: The Greek Language as a Bridge of Intercultural Dialogue.” The event took place on Saturday, April 18 in a packed auditorium at the Center for Ancient Greek and Chinese Civilizations (CAGCC) at Southwest University in Chongqing.
The event brought together a distinguished audience, including Greek academics and authors, prominent Chinese Hellenists, representatives from nearly every university department of Greek studies in China, students of the Greek language and culture, and many other attendees.
In his opening address, the Ambassador of Greece to China, Dr. Evgenios Kalpyris, traced the 40-century history of the Greek language, emphasizing “the importance of Greek as a global public good and the undeniable dynamism of the Greek linguistic phenomenon.”
“When the Greek alphabet was developed 3,000 years ago, it maintained a deep internal relationship between word and image, stemming from the earlier Greek ideographic writing. I cannot think of any other international language that prevailed for nearly 2,000 years and continues to this day to influence Western languages and convey ideas to every corner of the globe,” the Ambassador noted.
He concluded by stating, “It would not be an exaggeration to say that Greek is deeply engraved in the DNA of Western thought. As such, it serves as a magnificent vehicle for understanding the West, its culture, and its way of thinking.”
Greece awards Chinese universities that promote the Greek language
The event featured insights from notable speakers, including the Rector of Panteion University, Professor Christina Koulouri; the Professor of Ancient Greek Philology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasileios P. Vertoudakis; and the renowned author and translator of Chinese literature, Dimitris Sotakis. Representing the Chinese side, the Director of the CAGCC, Cui Yanqiang, and Associate Professor of the Department of Greek Language at Shanghai International Studies University, Hu Jingjing, also addressed the audience.
A highlight of the event was the award ceremony, during which the Greek Ambassador presented commendations to representatives from nine Chinese universities, acknowledging their vital contribution to the promotion of Greek studies in China. These universities offer degrees in Greek studies or Greek language courses, maintaining interest in modern and Ancient Greek, philosophy, and Hellenic culture vibrant.
The ceremony concluded with a recital of Greek poetry and a musical performance by Chinese students from various Greek language departments. A particularly moving presentation was given in Greek by students from a Chinese high school.
Related: The Fascinating Evolution of the Greek Language Through Time
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