GR

Hellenic Republic

Greece

Summary

Hellenic Republic
10,543,000
Greek
98% (2018 UNESCO)
CPPDCE (2006), CSICH (2012), ICCPR (1966), UNCRPD (2006), UNDRIP (2007)
Campbell and King 2011, Comrie 1987, Salminen 2007
42,600–634,600 (Van Cleve 1986)
The number of established languages listed for Greece is 22. All are living languages. Of these, 14 are indigenous and 8 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 4 are institutional, 8 are developing, 1 is vigorous, 2 are in trouble, and 7 are dying. Also listed are 14 unestablished languages.
Attica region: Athens; Central Greece region: Voiotia, south Evvoia and Salamis islands; Peloponnese region: Argolis and Korinthia areas, Messinia, from Kalamitra northwest, Lakonia, east coastal area near Rikhea; Southern Aegean: Kyklades, Andros island north; Western Greece: northwest Achaia, north of Lapas. Mainly rural, 300 villages. Users: 50,000 (Salminen 2007). Ethnic population: 150,000. Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Arberichte, Arbërisht, Arvanitic, Arvanitika Autonym: αρbε̰ρίσ̈τ‎ (Arbërisht) Classification: Indo-European, Albanian, Tosk
Western Macedonia region: Florina and Kastoria, northeast of Lake Orestiada. Users: 10,000 in Greece (2002). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Arvanitika, Camerija, Shqip Classification: Indo-European, Albanian, Tosk
Users: 10,500 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, South, Arabic
Scattered, with largest communities in Attica and Thessaly and Central Greece. Users: 20,000 in Greece (2007). Status: 5* (Developing). Classification: Indo-European, Armenian
Central Macedonia: Pella area, southeast of Lake Vegoritis and into Imathia, Kastoria into Florina and Kozani; Epirus region: western Ioannina; Thessaly region: Trikala southwest corner; Western Macedonia: Grevena. Users: 50,000 in Greece (Salminen 1999). Ethnic population: 700,000 (Association of French Aromanians). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Armani, Armina, Armini, Arumanian, Arumenian, Macedo Romanian, Macedo-Rumanian, Vlach Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Eastern
Users: 2,000 in Greece. Ethnic population: 9,000. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic, Central, Aramaic, Eastern, Central, Northeastern
Users: 80,000 in Greece (2018), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region: Xanthi and 2 other departments. Users: 75,900 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Eastern
Central Greece region: Mandra village; Central Macedonia: Neo Agioneri and Xirohori villages. Users: 2,800 (2015 M. Janse). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Asia Minor Greek, Cappadocian Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Attic
Users: 19,000 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese
Users: 4,600 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, Low Saxon-Low Franconian, Low Franconian
Widespread. Users: 5,535,400 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 15,400 in Greece (2011 census). L2 users: 5,520,000 (European Commission 2012). Status: 4 (Educational). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English
Scattered. Users: 760,200 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 6,200 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a). L2 users: 754,000 (Marcoux et al 2022). Status: 4 (Educational). Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Users: 27,400 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Kartvelian, Georgian
Scattered. Users: 545,400 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 9,400 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 536,000 (2018). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Deutsch Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, High German, German, Middle German, East Middle German
Widespread. Users: 10,700,000 in Greece (European Commission 2012). Total users in all countries: 13,290,550 (as L1: 13,232,050; as L2: 58,500). Status: 1 (National). De facto national language. Alternate Names: Grec, Greco, Neo-Hellenic, Romaic Autonym: Νέα Ελληνικά‎ (Néa Ellīniká), ελληνικά‎ (Elliniká) Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Attic
Scattered. Users: 11,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 11,000 signing deaf, assuming 0.1% of total population. Other estimates: 5,000 (2019 EUD); 42,600 (Van Cleve 1986); 62,500 (2014 IMB). Status: 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2000, Law 2817, Official language of deaf community). Alternate Names: Elleniké Noematiké Glossa, GSL Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Scattered. Religious language. Users: No known L1 speakers. Ethnic population: No ethnic community. Status: 9 (Second language only). Autonym: Ἑλληνική‎ (Hellēnikḗ) Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Attic
Users: 7,700 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Italo-Dalmatian
Ionian Islands region: Kerkyra regional unit. Users: 50 in Greece (Salminen 2007). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Italkian Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Italo-Dalmatian
Users: 21,000 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Iranian, Western, Northwestern, Kurdish
Central Macedonia: Thessaloniki. Users: 12 in Greece (2017 John Kazaklis). Ethnic population: 1,000 (2018). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Jūdeo-Esupanyōru, Judeo-Espagnol, Tzoudeo-Espaniol Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian
Users: 14,100 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, West, Lechitic
Central Macedonia: Kilkis, Pella, Serres, and Thessaloniki except south of Kalamaria borough. Users: 400,000 in Greece (2009 Z. Diakonikolaou). Total users in all countries: 778,000. Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Pontic Greek, Romeika, Romeyka Autonym: Ποντιακά‎ (Pontiaká), Ποντιακόν λαλίαν‎ (Pontiakón lalían) Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Attic
Epirus (Romancilikanes dialect); Western Macedonia (Serres dialect); Peloponnese region: (Pyrgos dialect). Users: 40,000 in Greece (1996 B. Igla). 10,000 Arlija, 30,000 Greek Romani. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Balkan
Attica region: Ajia Varvara, suburb of Athens; Epirus region: Parakalamos; Thessaly region: Karditsa regional unit, Sofades; Trikala regional unit. Users: 1,000 in Greece. Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Rom, Romanés, Tsingani Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Romani, Vlax
Users: 56,900 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Eastern
Central Macedonia region: Kilkis and Pella regional units, Meglen area, north of Salonika. Users: 2,900 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 5,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Meglenite, Meglenitic Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Eastern
Thessaly and Central Greece Administrative Unit; secret language, itinerant builders, especially in Evrytania and Fthiotis. Users: 30 (2000). Status: 8b (Nearly extinct). Alternate Names: Hellenoromani, Romika Classification: Mixed language, Greek-Romani
Kavala. Users: 210,000 in Greece (Arefyev 2012), all users. L1 users: 85,000 (European Commission 2012). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, East
Users: 3,900 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Western
Central Macedonia region: Florina, Kilkis, Imathia, Pella, Serres, and Thessaloniki; Epirus region: Ioannina; Western Macedonia region: Kastoria except south Nestorio municipality, Kozani. Users: Population for Slavic speakers in Greece is very difficult to find. Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, South, Eastern
Users: 9,800 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Tagalog
Peloponnese region: Arkadia regional unit, Leonidio and Prastos towns; Kastanitsa, Melana, Pramatefti, Sapounakeika, Sitena, and Tyros villages. Users: 1,500 (2010 M. Kisilier). Status: 8a (Moribund). Alternate Names: Tsakonia Classification: Indo-European, Greek, Doric
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region: Xanthi, west of Lake Vistorius, on Bulgaria border; Rodopi, Bulgaria border west of Komotini. Users: 48,900 in Greece (2010). Status: 2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in Xanthi, 2 other eastern provinces (1923, Treaty of Lausanne). Alternate Names: Osmanli, Türkçe Classification: Turkic, Southern, Turkish
Users: 17,000 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality. Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Balto-Slavic, Slavic, East
    [ell] 1 (National). De facto national language. 10,700,000 in Greece (European Commission 2012). Total users in all countries: 13,290,550 (as L1: 13,232,050; as L2: 58,500).
    [tur] 2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in Xanthi, 2 other eastern provinces (1923, Treaty of Lausanne). 48,900 in Greece (2010).
    [eng] 4 (Educational). 5,535,400 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 15,400 in Greece (2011 census). L2 users: 5,520,000 (European Commission 2012).
    [fra] 4 (Educational). 760,200 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 6,200 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a). L2 users: 754,000 (Marcoux et al 2022).
    [als] 5* (Dispersed). 10,000 in Greece (2002).
    [bul] 5* (Dispersed). 75,900 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [deu] 5* (Dispersed). 545,400 in Greece, all users. L1 users: 9,400 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. L2 users: 536,000 (2018).
    [rmy] 5* (Dispersed). 1,000 in Greece.
    [mkd] 5* (Dispersed). Population for Slavic speakers in Greece is very difficult to find.
    [hyw] 5* (Developing). 20,000 in Greece (2007).
    [gss] 5 (Developing). Recognized language (2000, Law 2817, Official language of deaf community). 11,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 11,000 signing deaf, assuming 0.1% of total population. Other estimates: 5,000 (2019 EUD); 42,600 (Van Cleve 1986); 62,500 (2014 IMB).
    [pnt] 5* (Developing). 400,000 in Greece (2009 Z. Diakonikolaou). Total users in all countries: 778,000.
    [rmn] 6a* (Vigorous). 40,000 in Greece (1996 B. Igla). 10,000 Arlija, 30,000 Greek Romani.
    [ruq] 6b (Threatened). 2,900 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity. Total users in all countries: 5,000.
    [itk] 7 (Shifting). 50 in Greece (Salminen 2007).
    [aat] 8a (Moribund). 50,000 (Salminen 2007). Ethnic population: 150,000.
    [rup] 8a (Moribund). 50,000 in Greece (Salminen 1999). Ethnic population: 700,000 (Association of French Aromanians).
    [tsd] 8a (Moribund). 1,500 (2010 M. Kisilier).
    [cpg] 8b (Nearly extinct). 2,800 (2015 M. Janse).
    [lad] 8b (Nearly extinct). 12 in Greece (2017 John Kazaklis). Ethnic population: 1,000 (2018).
    [rge] 8b (Nearly extinct). 30 (2000).
    [arz] Unestablished. 10,500 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [aii] Unestablished. 2,000 in Greece. Ethnic population: 9,000.
    [ben] Unestablished. 80,000 in Greece (2018), based on nationality.
    [cmn] Unestablished. 19,000 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity.
    [nld] Unestablished. 4,600 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity.
    [kat] Unestablished. 27,400 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [ita] Unestablished. 7,700 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity.
    [kmr] Unestablished. 21,000 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity.
    [pol] Unestablished. 14,100 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [ron] Unestablished. 56,900 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [rus] Unestablished. 210,000 in Greece (Arefyev 2012), all users. L1 users: 85,000 (European Commission 2012).
    [srp] Unestablished. 3,900 in Greece (Leclerc 2020a), based on ethnicity.
    [tgl] Unestablished. 9,800 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
    [ukr] Unestablished. 17,000 in Greece (2011 census), based on nationality.
  • Greece

  • Language Vitality Profile

  • Language Status Profile

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    Digest of the languages of Greece ($149.95, 29 page PDF)