Draft:Hellenism (ethnic identity)

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Hellenism refers to the cultural, ethnic, and intellectual identity rooted in Greek civilization from antiquity to modern times. It encapsulates the shared language, traditions, and values that have defined the Greek people across millennia while undergoing transformations influenced by historical contexts.

Origins and Ancient Context

The term “Hellenism” originates from the Greek word Ἑλληνισμός (Hellēnismós), which initially signified the use of the Greek language and customs. Both Sextus Empiricus (c. 160 – c. 210 CE), Diogenes Laërtius (3rd century CE), is used in to denote proper Greek grammar. Likewise in Diogenes Laërtius' "Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.1. Zeno", "Ἑλληνισμός" is once again used to talk about Greek language.

There are five excellences of speech—pure Greek, lucidity, conciseness, appropriateness, distinction. By good Greek is meant language faultless in point.[d].

— Diogenes Laërtius' "Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.1. Zeno

Hellenism was coined during the Hellenistic period.Following Alexander’s conquests, Greek supplanted Aramaic as the dominant language across the Eastern Mediterranean. This shift necessitated the establishment of rules to standardize the proper use of Greek as a universal means of communication. The term Hellenism (Hellenismos) was coined to describe this framework, serving as a guide for using Greek without errors in grammar or syntax—speaking and writing Greek correctly became a defining feature of Hellenism. While initially a linguistic concept emerging at the dawn of the Hellenistic period, the scope of Hellenismos soon expanded. It came to encompass not just language but also the customs, values, and worldview that defined Greek culture and thought.

Modern Greece & The Diaspora

In contemporary contexts, Hellenism serves as a profound marker of Greek identity, encapsulating the shared language, history, and cultural legacy that define the Greek people. It is not merely a historical or philosophical term but a living concept that unites Greeks across generations and geographies, anchoring them to a heritage stretching back to antiquity.

Hellenism functions as a cohesive identity framework, linking modern Greeks to their ancient predecessors through language, which has evolved while retaining its foundational structure and richness. It embodies the historical continuum of the Greek people, connecting the Classical, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods with the present day.

As a term, Hellenism also transcends geographic boundaries, fostering unity among the Greek diaspora. It provides a means of connection for millions of Greeks worldwide, offering a shared narrative rooted in the Greek language, Orthodox Christianity, and the cultural achievements of Greece’s history.