World Celebrates Inaugural Greek Language Day

UNESCO recognizes the language's profound impact on Western civilization

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

February 9th marked the first-ever International Greek Language Day, officially recognized by UNESCO. This milestone celebrates the remarkable continuity and global influence of the Greek language, which has shaped philosophy, science, literature, and the arts for over 40 centuries.

Why it matters

The Greek language's unbroken lineage and its pervasive impact on modern languages and disciplines make it a cornerstone of Western civilization. UNESCO's official recognition underscores the language's enduring significance and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity worldwide.

The details

Greek is spoken by approximately 13 million people globally and has been written with the same alphabet for 28 centuries, maintaining consistent spelling rules for 24 centuries. This remarkable continuity is a testament to the language's resilience and power. The date of February 9th was chosen to honor Dionysios Solomos, Greece's national poet and author of the 'Hymn to Liberty', highlighting the language's intrinsic link to ideals of freedom, creativity, and human dignity.

  • February 9, 2026 marked the inaugural International Greek Language Day, officially recognized by UNESCO.

The players

Georgios Babiniotis

A linguistics professor who noted the Greek language's remarkable continuity of being spoken for 40 centuries without interruption, written with the same alphabet for 28 centuries, and maintaining consistent spelling rules for 24 centuries.

Dionysios Solomos

Greece's national poet and the author of the 'Hymn to Liberty', whose work inspired the choice of February 9th as the date for International Greek Language Day.

Khaled El-Enany

The UNESCO Director-General who emphasized the Greek language's intrinsic link to ideals of freedom, creativity, and human dignity.

Archimedean Academy

A school in Miami, Florida that integrates Greek language and values into its entire curriculum, aiming to cultivate critical thinking skills rooted in Hellenic tradition.

Atenea Institute

The sole Greek school in Latin America, located in Panama, that offers Greek language instruction from primary school through high school, fostering a unique multicultural learning environment and preserving Hellenic heritage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The establishment of World Greek Language Day by UNESCO's 90 member states is a historic moment that underscores the Greek language's enduring influence and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity worldwide. From its profound impact on Western civilization to its continued presence in modern languages and disciplines, the Greek language remains a cultural cornerstone worthy of global recognition and celebration.