On the morning of March 15, Georgios Patheniou, Consul General of Greece in Shanghai, visited Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) to participate in the “International Greek Language Day theme event organized by SISU’s Greek Studies Centre. President Li Yansong met with the Consul General and his delegation at the Museum of World Languages.
During the meeting, Li offered an overview of SISU and introduced the development history of its Greek language major. Li expressed gratitude to the Consulate General of Greece in Shanghai for the long-lasting support for SISU’s disciplinary construction and talents cultivation of the Greek language major. Li hoped that the Consul General would continue to promote the cooperation between SISU and more Greek universities, strengthen the construction of the Greek Studies Centre, and cultivate top talents in Greek studies. Georgios Patheniou stated that he was deeply moved by the consistent contribution of SISU’s Greek language major to promoting the cultural exchanges between China and Greece. In the future, he will continue to support the disciplinary construction of Greek language major at SISU, and will further deepen contacts and interactions with SISU.
After the meeting, Li and Georgios attended the theme event of “International Greek Language Day”. In his speech, Li expressed that China and Greece are two of the most important ancient civilizations across Asia and Europe, and the Chinese and Greek languages have carried the development and achievements of the two civilizations for thousands of years. According to Li, this event aims to deepen understanding and friendship between the people of China and Greece, and to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations through the channel of languages.
In his speech, Georgios introduced the origin of “International Greek Language Day”, and emphasized that the Greek language has existed for over 4000 years, showcasing its long history and eternal significance. Besides, the study of Greek by students in Shanghai proves that the Greek language is widespread and applicable. He extended his gratitude for the contribution of SISU’s Greek language major to the spread of the Greek language, as well as to the exchanges between China and Greece.
Then, Dimitrios Foukis, Consul for Public Diplomacy Office in Shanghai, Associate Professor Hu Jingjing, Director of the SISU Greek Studies Centre, Ms. Roula, Dean of the Confucius Institute at the Aristotle University in Greece, and Zhang Jiaxiang, student representative of the Class of 23’, delivered keynote speeches respectively.
The two Greek guests also engaged in discussions with teachers and students of the Greek language major. The students shared their experiences in learning Greek and raised questions and concerns about their studies. In his response, the Consul General also offered valuable advice to the students who will soon be going abroad for exchanges.
This theme event of “International Greek Language Day” demonstrated the cultural and historical significance behind the Greek language, and further promoted mutual understanding and exchanges between Greek and Chinese civilizations.
