Modern Greek in Australia: a study of the current situation and future perspectives

Abstract

This study, completed in September 2011, examines the situation of Modern Greek in Australia. After a lengthy research the authors were able to find out the exact number of all Modern Greek students in Australia. The authors, in order to make the study more relevant and place it in the wider Australian context, decided to incorporate information regarding the historical settlement of Greeks in Australia as well as the sociocultural dynamics which are influencing the maintenance and teaching of the Greek language. The findings and the analysis clearly indicate that Modern Greek in Australia will face a lot of challenges in the near future and that it is urgent for all parties concerned to come up with practical strategies if this important language for Australia is to stay alive and well in the antipodes