Björn Hansen & Ledio Hala, Department of Slavonic Studies, University of Regensburg
Image 1: Programme of the Albanian Studies Symposium, held on June 7, 2024The “Albanian Studies Symposium: Exploring the Future of Interdisciplinary Research,” held on June 7, 2024, at the University of Regensburg, provided a platform for scholars to explore new perspectives in Albanian studies. The symposium, organized by the Slavonic Department and supported by the Vielberth-Foundation, addressed key topics in linguistics, literature, and culture, with a focus on the replication of cultural and linguistic concepts across borders. Presentations covered themes such as multilingualism, the impact of external linguistic influences on the Albanian lexicon, and methodologies for teaching Albanian to heritage speakers. The event fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and set the stage for future research in Albanian studies.
Description:
On 7 June 2024 the symposium “Albanian Studies Symposium: Exploring the Future of Interdisciplinary Research“ took place in Regensburg/Bavaria. The symposium was organized by the Slavonic Department of the University of Regensburg. It was generously supported by the Vielberth-Foundation.
Albania is currently undergoing a dynamic development and is high on Germany’s foreign policy agenda. The international symposium aimed to discuss new perspectives on Albanian Studies at the University of Regensburg (UR) and beyond. We wanted to explore new perspectives for Albanian studies. In the field of linguistics, current issues of multilingualism, language policy and public discourse were discussed. Albanian is an important language of origin in Germany. In the area of literature and culture, we talked about Albanian literature under totalitarianism and transnational literature, based on Albanian authors in migration who write in foreign languages
The symposium comprised the three thematic areas: Linguistics, Literature and Culture. The symposium is integrated into the area studies activities at UR.
The overarching topic of the symposium was “The replication of concepts across language barriers (Travelling concepts)”. Replicated or travelling concepts are ideas or cultural constructs that traverse linguistic and cultural barriers, transforming as they are rendered into different languages. Through translation, these concepts adapt to new contexts, acquiring nuances and interpretations specific to each language and culture because the basis for this replication is a creative process of ‘inter-lingual identification of linguistic subsystems’. The replication of concepts facilitates the dissemination of knowledge and fosters cross-cultural understanding by bridging linguistic divides. However, it also poses challenges, as nuances, cultural connotations, and context can be lost or altered in this process. One such example could be the notion of ‘corruption’ which first appeared in Albanian dictionaries in the 50ies. However, the meaning of the Albanian lexeme korrupsion is not identical to the corresponding lexemes in West European languages. As a second example we might refer to Realizmi socialist which is a replication of the Russian term sociаlističeskij realizm/socrealizm. Both in art and in literature Realizmi socialist developed its features specific to the Albanian context.
Leading experts from the universities of Tirana, Prishtina, LMU, HU Berlin and Charles University presented their research related to travelling concepts.
Image 2: Participants of the Albanian Studies Symposium; see below.After welcome address of the dean of the faculty Languages, Literatures and Culture Prof. Dr. Maria Selig, the conveners Prof. Björn Hansen and Ledio Hala (M.A.) opened the symposium.
Kristina Jorgaqi presented “A Dictionary of Anglicisms in Albanian,” documenting the extensive lexical influence of English on Albanian over recent decades. The dictionary categorizes direct borrowings, adapted forms, and pseudo-anglicisms, contributing to the broader study of global linguistic influence. This work provides a valuable reference for understanding the evolving Albanian lexicon in the context of increasing English contact.
Barbara Sonnenhauser conducted case studies on the transmission of narrative practices among Gheg speakers in a German-speaking environment. Using re-narrations of the pear story video, her research revealed increased convergence in German narrative practices among third-generation speakers. The studies indicated the impact of vertical and horizontal transmission on linguistic features and confirmed migration and heritage languages as proxies for historical linguistic processes.
Enkeleida Kapia & Felicitas Kleber presented a study on prosody in Northern Tosk as a “travelling concept” in contact situations. By comparing intonational patterns over three generations, they observed a decline in the rise-fall pattern in Northern Tosk. This change was attributed to shifts in language contact, including decreased interaction with Greek varieties and increased influence from Standard Albanian during post-communism.
Björn Hansen & Elsa Skënderi Rakipllari examined the language of corruption in Albanian through a lexico-semantic approach. Their study inventorized the Albanian lexicon of corruption and performed corpus linguistic analyses to understand the frequency and synonymy of terms related to corruption. They discovered that although terms for agents and clients of corruption exist in dictionaries, they are rarely used in practice. The study also highlighted how corruption is framed in media by analyzing conceptual metaphors.
Ledio Hala focused on the challenges and methodologies of teaching Albanian to heritage speakers at the University of Regensburg. Emphasizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds and ideologies of these students, Hala advocated for an inclusive approach that validates dialects while teaching the standard form. This methodology fosters a supportive learning environment, helping students integrate their linguistic identities with the standard language. Further research is recommended to refine these educational strategies.
Lidija Cvikić explored the status of Albanian as a minority language within the Croatian educational system. The study highlighted the challenges and successes of the “Albanian Language and Culture” program offered in Croatian schools. Despite issues like heterogeneous class proficiency and a lack of standardized curricula, the program thrives due to motivated students and teachers, strong community language retention, and governmental support from Albania and Kosovo.
Lili Sula analyzed the influence of Arbëresh literature on modern Albanian literature. Tracing its origins from 15th-century migrations to southern Italy, Arbëresh literature has maintained Albanian language and traditions. Key figures like Jeronim de Rada and his Romantic works played a crucial role in shaping Albanian literary identity, linking it with European literary movements and ensuring its continuity.
Viola Isufaj discussed the unity and diversity of Albanian literature across different geopolitical and social contexts. Highlighting the varied literary environments in Albania, Kosovo, the diaspora, and Arbëresh communities, she emphasized the impact of socialist realism and modern poetics. Despite differing circumstances, these literatures share a common Albanian cultural trunk, contributing to a unified yet diverse literary tradition.
Vjosa Hamiti and Lumnije Jusufi talked about “A Special Language and Cultural Transfer: German Bread Goods and Names in Kosovo”. They showed how linguistic and cultural transfer are intertwined in the field of bakery.
Orkida Backus Borshi detailed the history of Albanian language studies at Charles University in Prague. Starting in the 19th century, interrupted by political factors, and revived due to the Kosovo conflict, Albanian studies have now become stable and integrated into the Department of South Slavic and Balkan Studies. The program offers comprehensive education in Albanian language, culture, and history, comparable to other Balkan languages taught at the university.
The “Albanian Studies Symposium: Exploring the Future of Interdisciplinary Research,” held on June 7, 2024, at the University of Regensburg, highlighted critical developments in Albanian studies. Experts discussed multilingualism, language policy, and the transmission of cultural practices. The symposium emphasized the importance of understanding linguistic ideologies and the diverse backgrounds of heritage speakers, as well as the evolving Albanian lexicon influenced by external factors.
Presentations showcased the adaptation of cultural concepts across linguistic barriers and introduced inclusive teaching methodologies for heritage speakers. The event underscored the need for ongoing research and collaboration in Albanian studies.
The symposium, set the stage for future advancements in the field, fostering a deeper understanding of the Albanian linguistic and cultural landscape.
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