A new strategy for the global promotion of the Greek language is being advanced by the Ministry of Education. The national policy for Greek language learning envisions an enhanced role for the Centre for the Greek Language and a strengthening of Greek-language education abroad. As a new era begins for the protection, teaching and promotion of the Greek language internationally, academic, Secretary General of the Academy of Athens and newly appointed President of the Board of Directors of the Centre for the Greek Language, Antonis Rengakos, explains to “PARAPOLITIKA” the national strategy that will be implemented.
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Antonis Rengakos: The weight of responsibility for spreading the Greek language
“The Greek language has accompanied the historical journey of the Greek world for more than three millennia,” Mr. Rengakos clarifies, stressing that “the continuity of its written tradition, the richness of its literature and its contribution to the shaping of European thought lend particular weight to the responsibility of preserving, cultivating and promoting it. This responsibility rests primarily with the Greek state, but at the same time concerns every institution that serves education, science and culture.”
He notes that “the initiative to develop a National Strategy for the Greek Language, with the support of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, represents a significant opportunity for unified, long-term planning. Greek-language education, Greek language learning, teacher training, the use of digital technologies and the promotion of Greek abroad are all closely interconnected fields that require a common direction.”
Referring to the Greek diaspora, Mr. Rengakos says that “conditions have changed significantly. The needs of the Greek diaspora are no longer uniform, while the number of those who choose to learn Greek without having Greek heritage is steadily growing. Universities, research institutions, schools and cultural organizations in many countries are strengthening Greek studies, recognizing the value of Greek as a language with unique historical depth and an enduring intellectual presence.”
According to the new President of the Centre for the Greek Language, “addressing these challenges requires a solid scientific foundation and ongoing cooperation between the competent bodies. Language policy cannot be reduced to isolated actions, nor can it rely on piecemeal initiatives. It requires continuity, evaluation and clear priorities, so that every new intervention is embedded within a coherent national plan.
Furthermore, the Centre for the Greek Language, in fulfilling its institutional mission, has developed a comprehensive framework of positions on Greek language learning, which has been submitted to the state as a basis for further elaboration and dialogue. This framework draws on the experience gained through the Centre’s operations, on scientific research and on collaboration with universities, educators and Greek-language education bodies in Greece and abroad.”
An “ecosystem”
In response to our question, Mr. Rengakos says that “the central aim is to develop a unified ecosystem for the Greek language. University chairs of Greek studies, diaspora schools, examination centres, educators, students and Hellenic communities all serve the same purpose. Their cooperation, the exchange of experience and shared scientific support can substantially strengthen the work of all.” He also stresses that “a particularly important place in this effort is held by Greek language certification, which is the official state institution for certifying knowledge of the Greek language — in the most recent certification examinations held in May 2026 by the Centre for the Greek Language at examination centres around the world, 14,500 candidates participated, and this number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Its credibility has been built through years of rigorous scientific work, transparent processes and internationally accepted standards. Its continuous upgrading is an essential prerequisite for strengthening the confidence of candidates, educational institutions and examination centres worldwide. At the same time, digital technologies offer new opportunities for teaching and promoting Greek,” as “a valuable support tool.”
A digital portal
Equally important is the creation of a unified digital portal for Greek language learning — modelled on the Centre for the Greek Language’s existing Greek Language Portal, which has been in operation for many years and receives over one million visitors per month — where educational materials, language resources, training programmes, information on Greek language certification and every available tool to assist educators, students and researchers will be consolidated. “The success of a national strategy,” according to Mr. Rengakos, “will depend on the consistency with which it is implemented and on the ongoing cooperation of all stakeholders involved. Major choices in the field of education bear fruit when they are grounded in knowledge, institutional continuity and the evaluation of their outcomes. The Greek language deserves a plan that reflects its significance and meets the demands of our times.”
The Centre for the Greek Language, the academic notes, “is ready to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of this national effort,” with the experience, human resources and infrastructure at its disposal. The Greek language, he explains, “has historically been a vehicle of education, science and culture. It remains alive, creative and open to the world. Safeguarding and strengthening it is not only a duty to the past — it is a choice that concerns the future of the country and its place in the international intellectual arena.”
Published in the newspaper “Parapolitika”.
