Greek language and culture around the world

Greek is spoken throughout the mainland and islands of Greece, in the southern part of Cyprus, and by large numbers of Greeks living in communities in many other countries such as the US, Australia, Canada and South Africa. The people in this diaspora, from the Greek word διασπορά, meaning ‘scattering’, retain strong cultural links with the πατρίδα (patreedha), fatherland, and many still have Greek as their first language.

In both Greece and Cyprus over the past half century there has been a general move away from the small villages and islands to the larger towns and cities, which offer better opportunities for education and employment. Sadly, this has meant the decline of numerous village and island communities and the feeling that something of the more traditional way of life is gradually being lost.

However, Greeks are still very proud of their culture, and many traditional customs are kept alive in communities at home and abroad. Also, a number of Greeks are returning to their native villages and islands, often rebuilding the family home, opening businesses and so adding to the regeneration of certain areas.