In October 2024, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, attended the “Reimagine Tourism in Greece” conference in Athens. He made a big impression on the audience when he described the experience of visiting the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio with his wife that morning. He was visibly deeply moved talking about the breathtaking beauty of the Temple and mentioned that his wife was so touched by the experience that she was moved to tears, calling the sight “amazing.” He went on to explain that his wife said that the most amazing thing that made her cry, was how the Greeks had preserved this ancient monument for us today.
The world in awe of ancient Greek monuments
Mr. Togbay expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the preservation of such amazing monuments. He believes these monuments are not just relics of the past, but an integral part of humanity’s shared history. The world remains captivated by the incredible legacy they left behind: the majestic Parthenon, the Acropolis with its awe-inspiring structures like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Theater of Dionysus. Similarly, the Parthenon sculptures, the Venus de Milo, and the Discus Thrower attract millions of awe-struck visitors every year marveling at the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Greeks.
The Greek Language: a “monument” passed down to us
But there’s another “monument” from ancient Greece that we are privileged to possess: the Greek language itself. This incredible gift, passed down through generations, is a living testament to the brilliance of the ancient Greeks. It’s a tangible link to our ancestors. Just as we stand in awe of the Parthenon’s imposing beauty, we can appreciate the profound beauty and wisdom within the Greek language, and its role in shaping European and modern civilization. It is the very foundation upon which so much of the Western world is built.
A question for us all
As we celebrated the International Day of the Greek Language on February 9th, let us not only admire the physical monuments of ancient Greece, but let’s also celebrate the magnificent “monument” that is the Greek language – the key that unlocks the past and illuminates the future! Let’s celebrate how the Greek language is an inseparable part of who we are and our history. This language, like the monuments, is a miracle. It is accessible from everywhere, containing not just words, but history, culture, knowledge, and philosophy, and evolution of thousands of years. The Greek language is woven into the fabric of countless languages across the globe; its roots are visible in almost every facet of life. This raises a vital question for us: What are we doing now to preserve this linguistic treasure? Just as we are obligated to safeguard the physical monuments, so too are we obligated to protect and nurture the Greek language.
It’s up to us to preserve this “monument”
We are the guardians of this “monument”! It is both an honor and a responsibility to protect and cherish this precious gift, just as we preserve the physical remnants of ancient Greece. We are the custodians of this language, and it is our duty to pass it on to future generations, especially to the children of the Greek Diaspora, who rely on us to connect them with their heritage. It is through language that they can connect with their roots, their family history, and a rich cultural heritage. It is through language that they gain a strong sense of belonging and identity.
