School video competition to honour UNESCO International Greek Language Day

“You Speak Greek – Did You Know?”

From science to everyday conversation, countless English words come from Greek – you’ve been speaking Greek all along and you didn’t even know it!

📢 An invitation to all students

On behalf of The Consulate General of Greece in Adelaide, Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the Hellenic Studies Foundation, and with the support of the South Australian Greek Teachers Association, we are delighted to invite your school to participate in a special video competition to celebrate UNESCO International Greek Language Day on 9 February 2026.

🌍 Background

The UNESCO Executive Board, supported by over 70 Member States, has proclaimed 9 February as World Greek Language Day.

Greek is the world’s longest continuously spoken and written language in Europe; 40 centuries orally, 28 centuries in alphabetic form, with unmatched historical, cultural, and scientific influence. It shaped core concepts of democracy, philosophy, science, and the arts, contributed extensively to international scientific, vocabulary (especially in medicine, mathematics, and technology), and remains taught globally in ancient, Byzantine, and modern forms. Greek was the first international lingua franca during the Hellenistic period and has left a lasting mark on languages worldwide.

The discovery of the alphabet 2,800 years ago represents a true cultural revolution that decisively influenced the course of human civilization and history. This explains why one of the world’s greatest thinkers, the Italian Galileo Galilei, considered the Greek alphabet to be “man’s greatest discovery”.

✨ Competition Details ✨

🎨 THEME: “You Speak Greek – Did You Know It?”

We welcome students of all cultural backgrounds to take part in this celebration of linguistic heritage and creativity. Highlighting the profound influence of the Greek language on global vocabulary, science, arts, and everyday life.

📚 Competition Categories: The competition is open to primary school students, middle school students and high school students (this category will accept University student entries)

📅 Important Dates

• 📝 Registration closes: Friday, 7 November 2025
• 🎨 Entries due: Friday, 12 December 2025
• 🏆 Winner announced: Monday, 9 February 2026

Please contact info@hellenicstudies.com.au to receive the video guidelines and school registration form