Mr. Christoforos Charalambakis, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at the University of Athens and a full member of the Academy of Athens, is a guest on this episode of “Remarkable Personalities” with Stavroula Karali.
On the occasion of World Greek Language Day (9 February), the program continues the dialogue on language as history, memory, and lived experience.
Mr Charalambakis—who, among other achievements, has served as editor of the Practical Dictionary of Modern Greek of the Academy of Athens—explores the relationship between Modern Greek and Ancient Greek, tracing the bridges of continuity as well as the ruptures that have shaped linguistic evolution over the centuries.
Special emphasis is placed on linguistic varieties, idioms, and dialects, which together form the richness and polyphony of the Greek language. At the heart of the discussion are Pontic Greek, Cappadocian Greek, Cypriot Greek, and Tsakonian, presented as living forms of speech with deep historical roots.
At the same time, Mr Charalambakis addresses the issue of endangered languages. The conversation with the Emeritus Professor of the University of Athens culminates in an open question about the future of the Greek language: how it is being transformed in today’s world, and what role education and society play in its preservation and creative continuity.
Journalistic Editing & Presentation: Stavroula Karali
Sound Engineering: Kostas Kyriakakis