Cultural Transmission in the Greek-Australian Community
- Author: Ebony Preen
- Posted: 29th November 2011
The preservation and transmission of Greek-Cypriot culture in Australia will be explored in a new UNSW study funded by the Ministry of Education and the Culture of the Republic of Cyprus.
The research project, 'Cultural Transmission in the Greek Australian Community' based in the School of Languages and Linguistics in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, aims to generate new insights for community leaders and ordinary families, to enhance the understanding of how Greek culture is transferred between generations in Australia.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Yannis lacovou, presented the $5000 cheque to the Acting Dean of the Faculty, Professor Eileen Baldry, on Thursday 29 November.
“It is a pleasure to support the important academic research that is carried out at the University of New South Wales and we hope to continue to do so in the future.” Said Mr Iacovou.
Dr Maria Zarimis, the project’s leader, says “Cultural transmission is a major concern for the Greek-Australian community, and indeed all established non-English communities in Australia, with the question arising as to what is the future of the culture and language in their context.”
“Older members of the community wish to preserve and transfer to further generations what is most valuable in their culture. The question of how this is to be done is a matter of serious debate,” said Zarimis.
Greek Studies Advisor to the Dean, Dr Nicholas Doumanis, is developing a proposal for a research project which would capture never previously documented information about the Greek-Cypriot Australian Community. The project would assist in preserving the cultural significance of past generations of Greek-Cypriot migrant Australians.
Contact Details
Alison Rapaud – a.rapaud@unsw.edu.au – 9385 8861
Nick Doumanis – n.doumanis@unsw.edu.au – 9385 1705
