Victorian State Parliamentarians Kat Theophanous MP, Steve Dimopoulos MP, Nick Staikos MP and Lee Tarlamis MP have called on La Trobe University to reconsider its move to discontinue Modern Greek language studies.

The program at La Trobe is the only tertiary level Modern Greek course available in Victoria. The University is currently undertaking a two-week consultation to determine its future, after funding cuts by the Commonwealth in the midst of the pandemic have put financial pressure on the institution.

“This would be a huge loss for the Greek and Cypriot community and have ongoing ramifications for the many sectors which rely on high-level Greek language skills, including aged care, social services, translation services and education,” Ms Theophanous said.

Melbourne is home to the largest Greek population of any city in the world outside of Greece and Cyprus. Every year, thousands of primary and secondary students participate in Greek language studies and more recently, kindergartens are receiving dedicated funding to incorporate bilingual programs including Greek.

“If we are serious about promoting diversity and multiculturalism, we must continue to actively invest in and protect language learning as a cultural asset. Once it is gone, it is very difficult to bring it back,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Modern Greek is not just for students of Greek heritage. As a language it is the etymological basis for science, medicine, philosophy and other subjects – losing this knowledge base is a loss for all of us,” Mr Staikos said.

The State MPs also emphasised Victoria’s strong cultural and economic linkages to Greece and Cyprus, and the opportunity loss which would be occur if the program ceased.

“Victoria benefits from a multi-million dollar industry through trade and service links with Greece and Cyprus. This is built on our strong cultural connections and the Greek language is an inextricable part of that,” Mr Tarlamis said.

“We stand with the rest of the Greek and Cypriot community who have mobilised in fierce determination to see this program retained. We call on the University to hear their message and reconsider its position,” Ms Theophanous said.

The State MPs will be writing directly to the university to put the case forward for the ongoing value of the program.

Published by Neos Kosmos, 20.11.20