ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Greek Language Question: A Historical Overview

The Greek language question refers to the debate surrounding the use of standardized forms of Greek as an official language in Greece. This issue has been present since ancient times and has undergone significant changes throughout history.

In antiquity, bilingualism was a common phenomenon in Greece, with writers often using both prose and poetic languages. The prosocratic writers Ferekydes, Parmenides, and Xenophanes preferred the poetic language, while Aristotle chose to write in a more formal style. Dionysius Thrikos's Art Grammatics of Dionysius provides an example of this linguistic dimorphism.

During the 17th century, demoticist Iristophanes criticized Aeschylus for writing performances that were incomprehensible to ordinary people. This suggests that there was a distinction between written and spoken language in ancient Greece.

The term "linguistic question" gained prominence during the diaspora of Western ideologies in Greek society, leading to a linguistic division between written speech (log) and vernacular language (mural). The tension surrounding this issue persisted for centuries, with opposing camps emerging over time.

Katharevousa: A Standardized Language

In 1830, an informal consensus emerged that the new state should have a unified language. This led to the development of Katharevousa, a standardized form of Greek based on Korais' version of the language. The term "Katharevousa" literally means "pure speech."

The proponents of Katharevousa argued that it was necessary for a unified national identity and to distinguish Greece from other cultures. However, this standardization also led to the suppression of regional dialects and linguistic variations.

Proponents and Critics

Adamantios Korais played a significant role in shaping the discussion around Katharevousa. His influence can be seen in the language used by subsequent proponents of the standardized form. On the other hand, critics like Lambros Photiadis and Neophytos Doukas advocated for a more archaic language.

The debate surrounding Katharevousa continued throughout the 19th century, with some arguing that it was too formal and others advocating for greater regional variation. The publication of works by Iosipos Moisiodax and Dimitrios Katartzis further fueled the discussion.

Legacy

Katharevousa served as the official language of Greece from its adoption in 1830 until its decline in the mid-20