Peter Mackridge explores the ideological, social, and linguistic causes and effects of the Greek language question in its many and passionate manifestations over two turbulent centuries. He shows the crucial way in which Greek linguistic identities have interacted in the creation of the modern nation since the War of Independence in 1821.

Preface Transliteration from Greek and pronunciation of Greek Words Maps and illustrations Acknowledgements 1. Theoretical background 2. The preconditions for the Greek language controversy 3. The early stages of the controversy, 1766-1804 4. Adamantios Korais as language reformer 5. Alternative proposals to Korais' project, 1804-1830 6. Language in the two Greek states, 1830-1880 7. The beginning of the demoticist campaign, 1880-1897 8. Educational demoticism and political reform, 1897-1922 9. The political polarization of the language question, 1922-1976 10. Epilogue Glossary Bibliography Index

Peter Mackridge , Emeritus Professor of Modern Greek, Oxford