Innovative Greek Language Learning Tools from the Staellinika Initiative
A suite of clever apps that seek to engage preschoolers, elementary students, and young adults in the Greek diaspora with story-driven and game-based language courses form the basis of the initiative. These were developed through Rebooting the Greek Language, a project of the SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies and the SNF New Media Lab at SFU, with support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).
Staellinika, a collaborative effort of the SNF Center for Hellenic Studies and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to reach heritage learners both through school curricula and at home through independent study.
“The Greek language is a gateway to modern Greek culture—yes to the works of Cavafy and Kazantzakis, but also to a thriving global community and its rich traditions,” said SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos. “At this moment when the pandemic has narrowed our horizons in so many ways, SNF is proud to have helped support tools for young people to reconnect with their heritage by discovering something new, the joy of learning Greek.”
As of the beginning of September, Staellinika, available in pilot form until this full launch, had clocked 13,000 registered users. The initiative will continue to roll out new courses on Greek language and culture over the coming year.