Modern Greek, in everyday use and in community at large merely termed Greek, is the contemporary form of the Greek language, spoken by more than 13 million people worldwide. It serves as the official language of Greece and Cyprus (Standard Modern Greek) and is also spoken by Greek diaspora communities around the globe. There are also large Greek-speaking communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa, as well as in other countries, such as Sweden, where Greek immigrants and generations of Greek descendants have settled, and where the language is typically preserved within families and in cultural and religious gatherings. 

The significance of Modern Greek extends beyond everyday communication; it carries a legacy that reaches back to ancient Greece. The language has evolved in a continuous and unbroken line from Ancient Greek. Following the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, Modern Greek began to take shape, gradually developing into the form we recognise today. While Modern Greek preserves many elements of its ancient and medieval roots, it has also undergone various changes in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. The Greek alphabet, used continuously for over 2,500 years, remains the same, though the pronunciation of certain letters has shifted over time.  Over the centuries, Greek vocabulary has been influenced by other languages, such as Turkish, Italian, and French, reflecting the region’s complex history of cultural interactions. 

Modern Greek remains an essential part of Greek identity, connecting the Greek people to their ancient heritage while evolving in response to the modern world. There are several regional dialects and varieties of Modern Greek that reflect the diverse linguistic landscape of Greece. The standard form is based on the variety spoken in Athens, which is used in education, government, and official communications.

In Scandinavia, Modern Greek is offered as a university subject only at Lund University. The subject includes studies in contemporary Greek language, literature, history, and culture, as well as Greek history from the Byzantine era to present-day Greece. As a student, you will practice speaking and writing Modern Greek, reading Greek literature in translation and, eventually, in Greek, and you will learn about history, society, culture, film, music, and mentality in contemporary Greece, as well as the historical development of the Greek language. Language proficiency training includes grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, syntax, and pragmatics.

By learning Modern Greek, you gain a deeper understanding of Greece’s rich history, culture, literature, philosophy, music, and art. You will be able to read works by contemporary Greek authors in the original language and develop a greater appreciation of Greece’s cultural heritage. Greece has played a central role in Europe’s history, and studying Modern Greek provides insights into European cultural, political, and religious history while learning a modern language. With knowledge of Modern Greek, you can also more easily understand earlier forms of the Greek language, which is beneficial for studies in classical archaeology, history, philosophy, and theology. This makes Modern Greek an important subject for those interested in antiquity and the Byzantine period.

Greek has a unique grammar and vocabulary, making it a fun, challenging, and enriching language to learn. Mastering Greek can also enhance your ability to learn other Indo-European languages and provide insight into how languages can evolve over thousands of years.

Studies in Modern Greek offer both practical and cultural skills, leading to personal and professional development. Learning Modern Greek can open career opportunities in various fields, such as:

• Translation and interpretation (Greek is one of the official languages of the EU)
• International relations and diplomacy
• Teaching Greek as a foreign language and as a native language
• Media and journalism
• Cultural management and tourism