Dimotiki

Dimotiki, also known as Demotic Greek, is the form of the Greek language used in Greece today. It represents the vernacular speech that developed from the regional dialects of the Greek-speaking population and serves as the basis for the standard language used in education, government, media, and daily life.

Historically, Dimotiki stood in contrast to Katharevousa, a consciously archaizing form of Greek that aimed to imitate Classical Greek in spelling and vocabulary. The so-called Greek language question centered on whether the written language should reflect the spoken vernacular or the learned, classical-influenced form. Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, Dimotiki gradually gained prestige and institutional support, culminating in its adoption as the standard for public life in Greece in the latter part of the 20th century.

Standardization and policy helped solidify Dimotiki as the official language of education and administration. While there are regional and social variations within Dimotiki, the form taught in schools and used in official contexts is the contemporary standard version of Modern Greek. The language continues to evolve, incorporating new vocabulary from technology, science, and global communication.

In addition to Greece, Dimotiki is used by Greek-speaking communities abroad, including Cyprus, where it forms the basis of the standard language alongside local varieties. Dimotiki remains distinct from Katharevousa, which is primarily of historical interest, and from ancient Greek, the language of antiquity.

See also: Demotic Greek, Katharevousa, Greek language question, Modern Greek.