February 9 marks International Greek Language Day, a celebration of the Greek language as both a national treasure and a global intellectual heritage. Scholars and writers from Italy, Spain, and beyond emphasize its enduring influence on literature, philosophy, and education.

The language, rooted in classical antiquity, continues to captivate and inspire. Italian author Elena D’Ambrogio Navone describes Greek as “a source that spans centuries, where every word carries the breath of the Aegean and the courage to question existence.” She believes its vitality will persist as long as people read, write, and dream in Greek.

Italian institutions maintain strong ties to Greek studies. Francesco Neri, director of the Italian Institute in Athens, recalls learning ancient Greek at age 14 and continuing his studies ever since. Camillo Neri, a professor at the University of Bologna, highlights modern teaching methods that use full-text translation as a “reading workshop,” fostering deep comprehension of classical texts.

In Spain, particularly in Catalonia, Greek has long held cultural significance. Greek scholar and translator Eusebi Ayensa Prat notes that secondary schools and universities continue to offer Greek language studies, maintaining continuity with classical traditions despite a broader decline in humanities enrollment.

Experts warn, however, that both Italy and Spain face challenges in sustaining interest in humanities education. Competing priorities in STEM and digital fields have reduced student numbers in classical programs, while technological distractions can limit the focus required to study ancient texts.

Still, educators stress the importance of preserving Greek literature as a universal cultural legacy. Camillo Neri notes, “The great classical texts form European and global literature that must be preserved for anyone who wishes to read them in the original—a heritage for all citizens of the third millennium who wish to think freely.”

International Greek Language Day serves as a reminder of the language’s historical depth, cultural influence, and the ongoing need to inspire new generations to explore its rich literary and philosophical traditions.