Advancing Greek Heritage Language Education in Canada – Challenges, Opportunities, and Community Action

As the Greek Canadian community navigates the realities of linguistic and cultural continuity in a rapidly evolving world, what concrete steps can we take to ensure the future of Hellenic education? This lecture, based on findings from the Hellenic Relay study, will examine the current landscape of Greek language education in Canada, shedding light on the perspectives of students, educators, parents, and community leaders.

 

Dr. Themistoklis Aravossitas will present key challenges, including declining enrollment, the impact of demographic shifts, and the urgent need for modernized teaching resources and professional development for educators. More importantly, he will outline a comprehensive Action Plan—a roadmap for strengthening Greek heritage language programs through community-driven initiatives, institutional support, and strategic policy recommendations.

 

The discussion will highlight successful educational models from across the Greek diaspora, emphasizing the role of technology, bilingual rights advocacy, and innovative learning environments such as online platforms, heritage language schools, and university partnerships. Participants will gain insight into how they can contribute to sustaining and revitalizing Greek language education in Canada—whether through curriculum innovation, funding strategies, or grassroots activism.

 

Call to Action:

The survival of Greek as a heritage language in Canada depends on a collaborative, community-driven effort. How can you contribute? Whether you are an educator, a parent, a student, or a supporter of Hellenic education, there are meaningful ways to get involved. From mentoring young learners and supporting Greek schools to advocating for policy changes and funding initiatives, the future of our linguistic and cultural heritage lies in our collective hands. Join the conversation, take action, and help ensure that Greek remains a living, thriving language in the diaspora for generations to come.  

 

 

Dr. Themistoklis Aravossitas is a leading scholar in heritage language education and diaspora studies. He teaches Modern Greek at the University of Toronto and York University and has been actively involved in research, curriculum development, and community-based initiatives for Greek language education. As the principal investigator of Hellenic Relay, a landmark study on the retention and revitalization of Greek in Canada, he has collaborated with educators, policymakers, and community leaders to develop sustainable strategies for heritage language instruction.

Dr. Aravossitas is the co-editor of five books including Rethinking Heritage Language Education (Cambridge) and the Handbook of Research and Practice in Heritage Language Education (Springer). He is also the creator of GreekLanguage.ca, a digital hub supporting Greek language teachers and learners in Canada. His work emphasizes the intersection of bilingualism, identity, and technology in modern heritage language education.