Arvanitika in Limnes

A FILM BY LAMBRINI PAPACHRISTODOULOU | 2024 | Greece | 35'

A documentary capturing the fading voices of native Arvanitika speakers in the Greek village of Limnes Argolida, preserving a vital piece of Greece's linguistic and cultural heritage before it's lost forever.

Exciting news! Join us for a public screening in Limnes in late December. Q&A with director afterwards • Also, we have an upcoming interview with a European organization working in preserving and promoting languages that are often marginalized. Details, including links, as they become available • WATCH THE TRAILER


Unfortunately, the social stigma they carried for years prevented the generation of post-war Greece from passing on their knowledge to their children. But given the efforts to revive various languages in the world, recording them is necessary. I, with the minimal resources I have as a 3rd year high school student, tried to light a flame, to attract the interest of the world and to invite others to the rescue of our linguistic heritage.

About the Film

I did not grow up in Limnes Argolida, but I spent much time there visiting my relatives. During these visits I began to appreciate the uniqueness of the Arvanitika dialect. I became curious about its history and the role it played in the community when I witnessed the older generation use Arvanitika among themselves and switch to Greek when speaking with others. Recognizing the urgency to preserve this oral tradition, I decided to create a documentary that explores the origins and evolution of Arvanitika in Limnes. I wanted to capture the essence of this unique language and its significance in Greek history by recording the personal narratives of the last generation of native Arvanitika speakers. As an endangered spoken language without a written alphabet, Arvanitika's survival depends on preserving these oral histories.

Limnes villagers harvesting grapes and at a wedding

Arvanitika songs (as heard in the film):


Subject Areas

Cultural Anthropology • National Identity • Endangered Language • Arvanitika Dialect • Cultural Identity • Oral Histories • Folk Songs • Prejudice • Cultural Minority


Meet the Filmmaker


LAMBRINI PAPACHRISTODOULOU • Director, Writer, Editor

High School Senior | Athens, Greece

Lambrini is passionate about exploring the human experience through Anthropology.

Ypapantis Church

Limnes Argolida

An Arvanitika Heritage

The village of Limnes in Argolida Greece is a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the Arvanitika dialect. For centuries, Arvanitika has been an integral part of Limnes' identity. It has shaped its traditions, customs and way of life; from the first Arvanitika words they heard as infants to the laments they were mourned with in death. Today we are seeing the decline of this unique language and heritage.

Press Highlights

Ms. Papachristodoulou points out the importance of preserving this language, stressing that its survival is critical to our [Greek] cultural heritage.

Argos News


Engage

  • Our study guide offers viewers, teachers and students the opportunity to learn more about themes explored in the documentary.

  • Share a link to the documentary with someone who might be interested in learning more about this endangered language and its cultural significance.

  • Stay updated with the Limnes Education Association on Facebook.

  • Join the conversation on social media with #ArvanitikaInLimnes

  • Join the conversation about Arvanitika. Share your personal stories and memories of growing up with Arvanitika. Let's come together to preserve this valuable part of our cultural heritage for future generations.


Photo Gallery


Arvanitika in Limnes credits Father George Georgas and Lambrini Papachristodoulou Schoolteacher Anastasios Georgas and Lambrini Papachristodoulou Filmmaker Lambrini Papachristodoulou Limnes villagers and Lambrini Papachristodoulou Limnes villagers singing Arvanitika