February 9th was recently established by UNESCO as World Greek Language Day, a historic decision that highlights the enduring and global value of the Greek language to humanity. The choice of this date is linked to the anniversary of the death of Dionysios Solomos (1857), Greece’s national poet, who connected literature with national identity through his works.

UNESCO recognizes Greek as one of the oldest and most continuously spoken languages in the world, with millennia of written and oral tradition, emphasizing its contributions to science, philosophy, literature, mathematics, and theology — fields in which Greek roots are evident in many modern languages.

Academics and linguists, such as Professors Giorgos Babiniotis and Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, have stressed that Greek is not merely a language of communication but also a medium for shaping thought and culture; its structure and rich vocabulary reflect deep cultural and cognitive roots that have influenced the development of Western thought.

The global recognition of the Greek language provides an opportunity to honor its history, reflect on the value of education and its use in the modern era, and promote its study in schools and universities worldwide — as a bridge between cultures, ideas, and scientific approaches.