The official establishment of February 9 as World Greek Language Day is the culmination of a decade-long vision spearheaded by Professor Ioannis Korinthios.
A prominent figure of the Greek Diaspora in Italy and a distinguished scholar, Korinthios first launched the initiative in 2014. His tireless advocacy recently reached a historic milestone: in November 2025, at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the designation was formally ratified.
The date carries profound symbolic weight, marking the anniversary of the passing of Dionysios Solomos, Greece’s national poet and author of the “Hymn to Liberty.”
A milestone for cultural diplomacy
For Professor Korinthios, this recognition transcends mere symbolism. He views the day as a vital tool for cultural diplomacy, elevating the Greek language’s status as a global cultural asset. Reflecting on the achievement, Korinthios shared his pride in this collective effort:
“As the initiator and pioneer of this movement, I am deeply moved. Together with the Omogenia (the Diaspora), Philhellenes, and the authorities of Greece and Cyprus, we have turned a vision into a global institution. This is a monumental achievement for our timeless culture and for Greeks everywhere.”
Professor Korinthios’s impact extends far beyond this international designation. A lifelong devotion to the Greek language and community defines his career.
A Professor of Modern Greek at the University of Calabria and the University of Naples “L’Orientale,” he has authored numerous textbooks and a definitive dictionary of Ancient Greek.
Is the Greek language under threat?
Speaking to Greek Reporter recently, he expressed his certainty that the Greek language is not under threat by the internet or the existence of multiple social media platforms.
Rather, he stated that “The Greek language is threatened by the indifference of those who must protect it: the schools, universities, homes, media, and our public services.
“The Greek language is ancient and yet alive… it is a valuable legacy and the cornerstone of the identity both of Hellenism and of European education.”
To support his argument, the professor repeated the words of George Seferis, a Nobel laureate who was one of the most important Greek poets of the 20th century:
“God has given us a language that is living, strong, stubborn, and beautiful; a language that still endures, even though we have unleashed all the beasts against her…”
The legacy of Korinthios
A pillar of the Greek presence in Italy, he is a founding member of the Naples community and a former President of the Federation of Greek Communities and Fraternities of Italy.
In 2024, his contributions were formally honored by the President of the Hellenic Republic with the Golden Cross of the Order of Honor, recognizing his decades of service to education and the preservation of Greek identity.
Through his leadership, the Greek language is no longer just a historical legacy but a dynamic, living bridge connecting the past with a global future.
