he Consul General of Greece in Shanghai, Georgios Patheniou, visited Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) recently to participate in an activity themed "International Greek Language Day", which was organized by the SISU Greek Studies Centre.

Co-founded by the Greek Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Education in 2017, International Greek Language Day aims to help spread the Greek language and culture worldwide and encourage people to learn Greek, which is widely recognized as one of the world's oldest languages.

SISU President Li Yansong first introduced the history and characteristics of SISU's Department of Greek during the event's opening speech. As China's first Greek Language Major, it began enrolling undergraduate students in 1972. It is currently the only site that offers Master's Degrees in Greek language and literature in China.

The Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai has provided much  support for developing SISU's Department of Greek, such as offering language-related internship opportunities for students of the major. In 2021, the Consulate donated a replica of the Phaistos Disc to the Museum of World Languages at SISU, a cultural relic of ancient Greek civilization.

Li thanked the Consulate for its support and said that he hoped the Consul would continue to promote cooperation between SISU and Greece by enhancing the construction of the Greek Studies Centre and training Greek language talents.

"SISU's contribution to strengthening cultural exchanges between Greece and China has impressed me much," said Georgios. SISU is now running a Confucius Institute with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has signed exchange agreements with many Greek universities, such as the University of Cyprus.

Georgios discussed the origins of International Greek Language Day. He highlighted that the Greek language has existed for over 4,000 years, and thanks to the study and love of Greek by Chinese students, the language is spreading more widely in the world.

The Consul also talked with students from the Greek Language Major. Students from different grades shared their experiences of learning Greek and raised questions about how to learn the language. Georgios gave students much advice on studying aboard, practicing speaking skills, and understanding Greek culture.

Zhang Jiaxiang, a senior student from the Greek Language Major shared his experience studying abroad in Greece with the audience.

In his junior year, Zhang went on an exchange program to study at the University of Athens, "I was born in Henan, the birthplace of Chinese Characters, just as Western civilization originated in Athens. Therefore, I always thought there was a special connection between Athens and me," he said.

Studying in Athens gave him chance to experience the language, traditions, customs, and culture of the country. Zhang said, "Just like the charming and lovely city of Athens, Greece and the Greek language left an unforgettable impression on me."

The International Greek Language Day celebration aims to deepen the understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Greek peoples. It gives SISU students a deeper insight into the culture behind the Greek language.