Greek Greek is among the oldest recorded living languages, with a documented history spanning over 3,400 years—from Mycenaean Linear B tablets (c. 1450 BCE) to today’s Modern Greek. It evolved through stages: Ancient, Koine (the lingua franca of the Hellenistic and Roman worlds), Medieval, and Modern. Remarkably, a speaker of Modern Greek can still grasp much of Classical texts due to linguistic continuity. Greek was the language of Homer, Plato, and the New Testament, profoundly shaping Western philosophy, science, and religion. Today, it’s spoken by about 13 million people, primarily in Greece and Cyprus, where it holds official status. Despite foreign influences—from Latin to Turkish—Greek retained its core structure and alphabet, the latter foundational to scientific and mathematical notation. Education emphasizes classical roots, fostering cultural pride. The language’s resilience stems from strong national identity, Orthodox Christian liturgy (which uses Koine), and geographic continuity. Modern Greek simplifies ancient grammar but preserves vocabulary and syntax patterns. From ancient democracy to modern EU governance, Greek remains a living archive—proving that a language can endure empires, invasions, and time itself by adapting without losing its soul.
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