The Language Question in Greece: Three Essays and One by Pernot
A concise, translation‑era collection that presents the Greek language debate through four essays, tracing how Greek evolved from ancient roots to a modern spoken form and the tensions between purist and vulgar language. It also frames the Gospel riots in Athens as part of the broader linguistic story.
This edition compiles translations of J. N. Psichari’s essays on history, linguistics, and literature in modern Greece, plus introductory and contextual material by the translator. It surveys how Greeks speak today versus how they write, and why language choices matter for national identity and culture.
You’ll encounter the central questions, the key arguments, and the cultural stakes involved as Greece navigates its own language path. The included material moves from practical observations of daily speech to broader reflections on literature, education, and national character.
- Spoken Modern Greek: how speech relates to written language and identity
- Ancient and Modern Greek: the historical arc and its implications
- The literary battle in Greece: debates among scholars and writers
- The Gospel riots in Athens: a watershed event tied to language and culture
Ideal for readers interested in linguistics, modern Greek literature, and the cultural history of Greece.