Language Diversity in Greece: Local Challenges with International Implications [Paperback]

This volume explores how linguistic and cultural diversity in Greece, caused by various waves of emigration and immigration, has transformed Greek society and its educational system. It examines the countrys current linguistic diversity, which is characterised by the languages of immigrants, repatriates, refugees, Roma, Muslim minorities, and Pomaks as well as linguistic varieties and dialects; and how schools and the state have designed and implemented programmes to deal with the significant educational challenges posed by these culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

In this regard, the book takes into account the nature and evolution of Greek society; Greeces traditional role as a labour-exporting country with a long history of migration to other countries; and major political, economic and social developments, such as the collapse of communism, the opening of borders in Eastern Europe, and the influx of immigrants from Muslim countries.

Foreword; Jim Cummins.- Introduction; Eleni Skourtou, Vasilia Kourtis-Kazoullis, Themistoklis Aravossitas & Peter Pericles Trifonas.- Part I: Immigrant students in the Greek educational system.- Bilingual Infants and their treatment in the Greek Kindergarten; Dionysia Kontogianni, Vassilios Oikonomidis.- Bilingual Students in the Public Primary Education Context in Greece: A Deterrent for the Greek Educational Landscape or a Chance for Improvement? Evangelia Papalexatou, Vassilios Zorbas.- Interviewing as Understanding:  Principles and Modalities for Transforming a Qualitative Research Instrument into a Stage of Integration Process for Immigrants; George Androulakis, Anastasia Gkaintartzi, Roula Kitsiou, Zoi Liveranou, Evi Markou.- Identities under Negotiation in a Second Language Academic Literacies Course; Christina Takouda, Dimitrios Koutsogiannis.- School and Family Cooperation: Strengthening Parents Knowledge of Greek; Eleni Karantzola, Ioannis Galantomos.-ls¥