Latinate terminology in Modern Greek: An “intruder” or an “asset”?

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses Latinate Modern Greek (MG) terminology in the light of language planning, language contact, transliteration, registers, and speakers’ attitudes. It starts by describing sociolinguistic aspects of MG with respect to borrowing and proceeds with case studies of Latinate MG terms and their Greek-based synonyms from various science, arts, social, and technical fields. Focusing on phonological, morphological, semantic, and terminological issues such as semantic intra- and inter-linguistic transparency and consistency in the light of the long-standing cultural ties between Greece and the West, an updated approach to the form and utility of MG Latinate terms is attempted, aiming at influencing eventual language planning in Greek-speaking areas.