Greekspeaking

Greekspeaking refers to the ability to speak the Greek language, either as a native speaker or through learning. It commonly denotes Modern Greek, the standard form used in Greece and Cyprus, but can also include regional dialects and varieties of Greek such as Cypriot Greek, Pontic Greek, Tsakonian, and Griko (Greco-Italian communities). The term may be used to describe individuals, communities, or policies related to Greek language use.

Greek is an Indo-European language in the Hellenic branch with a documented history spanning more than two millennia. Modern Greek emerged from Demotic Greek, which was standardized in the early 20th century; Katharevousa is a historical form that was used as an official literary language in the 19th and early 20th centuries before Demotic Greek became dominant.

Geographic distribution and social use: In Greece and Cyprus, Greek is the official language and primary language of instruction in schools; in diaspora communities around the world, Greek maintains social networks, media, and religious life. Efforts to preserve regional dialects include language education, cultural organizations, and oral tradition.

Linguistic context: Greek has its own script, and Modern Greek uses the monotonic orthography established in 1982. The term "Greekspeaking" is primarily used descriptively to reference language use rather than identity; it often appears in demographic, immigration, and language policy discussions.