MALCOLM BRABANT:
And this is how they invite their friends to lunch, using a technique that distinctly transmits the message for miles between hill tops.
Experts believe the language dates back to ancient Greek times. One theory is that it was created by Persians 2,500 years ago after they were defeated in the great naval Battle of Salamis. Survivors washed up on the shores of Evia whistled to each other to avoid detection from vengeful ancient Greeks.
Panagiotis Tzanavaris is leading the battle to save what UNESCO considers to be the world's most endangered language.
PANAGIOTIS TZANAVARIS, Cultural Association of Antio (through interpreter): Whistling was used widely, used until the day the telephone arrived. That was in 1965, around the same time most young people left the village to study or find work.
So, it meant there was no one around to pass the language onto the next generation.
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