The Greek language question (Greek: γλωσσικό ζήτημα, short: το γλωσσικό) was a dispute discussing the question whether the language of the Greek people (Demotic Greek) or a cultivated imitation of Ancient Greek (katharevousa) should be the official language of the Greek nation. It was a highly controversial topic in the 19th and 20th centuries and was finally resolved in 1976, when demotic was made the official language. The language phenomenon in question—which occurs elsewhere in the world—is called diglossia. This term was coined in 1885 by Emmanuel Rhoides and popularized internationally by Ioannis Psycharis, a leading participant in the Greek controversy.
Read more about Greek Language Question: Linguistic Background of The Problem, Example of The Diglossia
Famous quotes containing the words greek, language and/or question:
“That is a very good question. I don’t know the answer. But can you tell me the name of a classical Greek shoemaker?”
—Arthur Miller (b. 1915)
“Like the train’s beat
Swift language flutters the lips
Of the Polish airgirl in the corner seat.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“Do you want to go on together? Or go ahead? Or go it alone? ... You have to know what you want and that you want. Fourth question of conscience.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)