Allow me to introduce myself!

I’m Irene Karageorgou, originally from Lamia, Greece. Growing up, my father’s military career led us to relocate often, which meant experiencing many different parts of Greece. With each new location, my curiosity for Greek language and history deepened, leading me to pursue studies in Greek literature. But what truly ignited my passion was witnessing the beauty of foreigners speaking Greek. This inspired me to further my education in “Teaching Greek as a Second or Foreign Language,” equipping me to teach Greek to non-native speakers. For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of teaching individuals from various backgrounds, including Europeans, Americans, and Westerners, each bringing their own perspective to the Greek language.

My journey took an interesting turn when I moved to France. Immersing myself in French culture, I became fascinated by the French people’s dedication to their language. It wasn’t always easy, but this experience sparked an even greater desire to preserve and promote Greek identity and language. Living abroad, I witnessed firsthand the power of language in shaping culture and community. I realized how crucial it is to embrace our own heritage, rather than letting it fade into the background as we prioritize foreign languages over our own.

This realization became the foundation of Greek Talk. It pains me to see the erosion of our cultural identity, especially in Greece itself, where we often speak English even among ourselves. Instead of honoring our language and customs, we’ve lost touch with what makes Greece unique. Our history, our mentality, and our deep-rooted connection to the land deserve more respect. I wanted to create a space where people could reconnect with Greek—not just as a language, but as a living, breathing part of their identity.

What drives me is a fervent desire to share the richness of Greek language, customs, and mentality with the world. I want to show what makes Greece truly special—the history behind every word, the stories we tell, the music we dance to, and the spirit that binds us. This mission is shared by the wonderful team at Greek Talk. We are a group of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by our love for Greece. Together, we work tirelessly to offer an immersive and authentic learning experience, where every lesson becomes a chance to feel connected to the real Greece.

Through our collective efforts, we aim to spread the essence of Greece far and wide, inspiring more people to experience its beauty not just as tourists, but as people who understand its soul. Join us on this journey, and let’s bring Greece closer to the world, one word at a time.

Scientific collaborators:

• Ioanna Halepli, philologist
• Sophia Gkouzouni, philologist
• Matoula Skiada, philologist
• Stella Hara, philologist
• Tina Karagianni, English teacher

With warm regards,

Irini Karageorgou