What is the editorial team thinking about this month?
Das Thema des Monats November ist das Leben ausländischer Frauen in Deutschland. Wir sprechen über unsere Herausforderungen und über die Chancen, die wir alle nutzen können.
read articleBjörn 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.
Das Thema des Monats November ist das Leben ausländischer Frauen in Deutschland. Wir sprechen über unsere Herausforderungen und über die Chancen, die wir alle nutzen können.
read articleIst Diella ein revolutionärer Fortschritt für Albanien – oder nur eine PR-Show in einem Land, das mit tief verwurzelten Problemen kämpft?
read articleIn diesem Bericht sollen individuelle Perspektiven auf diese Entwicklung gesammelt werden, um Vor- und Nachteile der KI-Nutzung in verschiedenen Bereichen aufzuzeigen. Ziel ist es, die Erfahrungen im Studium, im beruflichen Kontext und im privaten Alltag zu erfassen und kritisch zu reflektieren.
read articleDas Thema des Monats Oktober ist Künstliche Intelligenz und wie wir sie in unserer Arbeit und im Studium einsetzen. Doch bevor wir tiefer einsteigen, werfen wir zunächst einen Blick darauf, womit sich unser Team aktuell beschäftigt.
read articleIm griechischen Teil Thrakiens sticht die geopolitische Relevanz der Region besonders ins Auge. Bereits kurz vor den Toren unserer ersten Station Alexandroupolis passierte unser Reisebus eine große Kaserne des griechischen Militärs. Die Gründe für die hohe Militärpräsenz in der Stadt und Umgebung ergeben sich einerseits aus der Grenznähe zur Türkei und andererseits aus dem für die NATO strategisch wichtigen Hafen.
read articlePublic space in Southeast Europe reflects deeply entrenched gendered and geopolitical hierarchies, where patriarchal and nationalist narratives dominate memory and shape urban landscapes. Women, queer communities, and minorities are largely excluded from public commemoration. However, feminist artists, activists, and grassroots movements are resisting this erasure through creative interventions such as performance, street art and activist cartography.
read articleFrom March 19 to 22, partners from our network met at the University of Prishtina to discuss some key issues affecting Area Studies: How can academia continue to fulfil its public mission by adapting to new media? How do we preserve linguistic diversity in the age of AI?
read articleAt the end of 2024, tragedy shook Serbia - 16 people lost their lives due to the fall of a canopy at the newly renovated railway station in Novi Sad, once again drawing attention to the state's negligence for its own citizens and the consequences of galloping corruption. The grief quickly turned into one of the largest civil uprisings in Serbia's recent history.
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium was initiated by students from the universities of Graz, Regensburg, and Jena. The main goal of the symposium is to provide an opportunity for networking among students and graduates who are interested in Southeast European Studies.
read articleMasakra e Tivarit ishte një ngjarje tragjike gjatë muajve të fundit të Luftës së Dytë Botërore, kur Partizanët Jugosllavë detyruan mijëra burra shqiptarë nga Kosova të marshonin drejt Tivarit (Bar, Mali i Zi), me pretekstin e rekrutimit ushtarak. Pasi mbërritën, shumë prej tyre u ekzekutuan në vrasje masive.
read articleTwo taxi drivers, two worlds—yet one powerful student movement calling out corruption across Serbia. Fed up with broken promises and a collapsed train station canopy, these young activists want transparency, justice, and better universities. Ready to discover how they’re uniting a divided society?
read articleDer Artikel untersucht die Sprachbiographie von Michaela Kaniber, der Bayerischen Staatsministerin für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Tourismus. Die Studie basiert auf einem Interview, das im November 2023 geführt wurde.
read articleWie sieht die Zukunft eines Landes aus, das jahrzehntelang isoliert war und nun zum aufstrebenden Geheimtipp für Reisende avanciert? Erleben Sie in diesem Beitrag, wie sich Albanien vom einst isolierten Land zu einem aufstrebenden Reiseziel wandelt.
read articleKo ima pravo da ispriča istoriju? Ako kolektivno sećanje predstavlja zajedničku, često institucionalizovanu prošlost, negovanu u okvirima određene društvene grupe, šta se, onda, događa sa prošlošću onih čiji glasovi nisu deo tog kolektivnog narativa, koji se sa njim ne poistovećuju i koji mu se – čak – protive?
read articleLaut einigen Studien gehören etwa 80 Wörter, die Erwachsene täglich verwenden, zur Kategorie der Tabuwörter, darunter auch Schimpfwörter. Schimpfwörter sind nicht nur bloße sprachliche Äußerungen mit spezifischer Wirkung,sondern ein äußerst ergiebiges Forschungsthema, und zwar interdisziplinär. In diesem Text wollen wir auf einige Aspekte dieses Forschungsgegenstandes aufmerksam machen.
read articleThis essay tries to make (anthropological) sense of a new and remarkable proposal that the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, came up with recently: to create a new sovereign religious statelet within Albania. How can we anthropologically interpret the emergence of this initiative and the changes it underwent over time, perhaps even leading to it being stalled without ever being implemented?
read articleSrebrenica mahnt – doch manche deutsche Politiker vergessen. Markus Söder schüttelt die Hand von Vučić, der den Genozid leugnet, während Bayern selbst Kritiker mundtot macht und Studierende exmatrikulieren will. Was ist „Nie wieder“ noch wert, wenn es nur eine politische Waffe ist?
read articleIn den letzten Jahren hat sich die europäische Migrationspolitik zu einem hochumstrittenen Thema entwickelt, das nicht nur die Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union (EU), sondern auch Drittstaaten in den politischen und moralischen Fokus rückt. Die italienische Regierung unter Ministerpräsidentin Giorgia Meloni verfolgt dabei einen besonders provokanten Ansatz: Asylverfahren sollen erstmals außerhalb der EU abgewickelt werden – in Lagern in Albanien.
read articleNicht nur auf der Baustelle arbeiteten die rumänischen Arbeiter Hand in Hand mit ihren deutschen Kollegen. Auch abseits des Arbeitsalltags suchten sie nach Möglichkeiten, sich in die Regensburger Gemeinschaft zu integrieren. Eine Leidenschaft verband sie dabei besonders: der Fußball.
read articleAt the beginning of June, Croatian and German flags flew over Imotski, a town in southern Croatia, as citizens gathered for a two-day celebration. They celebrated the unveiling of the “Mercedes” monument, a life-size replica of the Mercedes 115, popularly known as “Minika”.
read articlePolitics can be regarded as the art of words. Words not only express views and values but also reveal potential and planned activities and incite specific actions. Discourses about EUrope are particularly revealing in that regard, not only at election time.
read articleDaniel Stoyanov, aka Bulgarian Cartrader, is a rising star on the indiepop scene in Germany. Born in Bulgaria in 1986, he grew up in Germany since he was four. The text provides insights into his two key passions, music and cars. Following in his father's footsteps, he developed a liking for cars when he was young. As for his music, Bulgarian Cartrader has an exceptional talent for combining contemporary genres. His texts are autobiographical, reflecting, amongst other things, on his Bulgarian roots. Ger Duijzings has been intrigued by his alter-ego, exploring Daniel's life and music.
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium originated as an initiative by students from the universities of Graz, Jena and Regensburg. The overarching aim of the Symposium is to provide an opportunity for networking among undergraduate and graduate students who have a subject-related connection to Southeast Europe.
read articleAls Fellow kann man seinen Dienstort eine Zeit lang gegen einen Ort im Ausland eintauschen. Im Idealfall dient dies nicht allein der Materialsuche, sondern auch der besseren Vernetzung mit Kolleginnen und Kollegen aus der Region und allemal der Erweiterung des persönlichen Horizonts. In meinem Fall standen Prishtina und Skopje auf dem Reiseplan, zwei Hauptstädte Südosteuropas, die ich aufgrund von Archivrecherchen aufsuchte.
read articleDie Brücke „Stari Most“, ein Wahrzeichen der Stadt Mostar aus der osmanischen Zeit, die sich über dem Neretva-Fluss in Bosnien und Herzegowina befindet, verbindet die zwei Stadtteile miteinander. Die Brücke wurde im Laufe des Kroatisch-Bosniakischen Kriegs zerstört. Seit dem Wiederaufbau im Jahre 2004 wird sie gerne als Symbol für die Versöhnung der Gesellschaft präsentiert.
read articleSoziale Medien sind als Quelle für Nachrichten, Unterhaltung und Kommunikation allgegenwärtig. Mittlerweile gehören sie auch in der Wissenschaft zum Alltag dazu. Während sie in erster Linie als Plattform zur Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen betrachtet werden, bieten sie sich zugleich als vielseitige Datenquellen und interessanten Forschungsgegenstand an.
read articleSprache beziehungsweise Kommunikation ist ein entscheidendes Mittel der Politik. So ist sie selbstverständlich geprägt durch Wettbewerb und die Konfrontation verschiedener Meinungen. In der Öffentlichkeit ist diese Konkurrenz stets zu erkennen, wie etwa in Talkshows, aber auch in Form von Vandalismus im Stadtbild. Über 10 Tage habe ich eigenhändig nationalistische Zeichen in Form von Graffitis, Stickern, Flaggen und Werbeplakaten beobachtet und in Verbindung mit ähnlichem Forschungsstand gebracht.
read articleWenn man sich mit dem Begriff des „Hässlichen“ auseinandersetzt, bietet es sich an, zunächst das Konzept des „Schönen“ und die Ästhetik zu betrachten. Immanuel Kant, einer der Urväter...
read articleHaving claimed more than 22,000 casualties, the memory of the Homeland War still looms large in the social and political landscape almost 25 years later. One issue of particular concern has to do with the branitelji, or ‘defenders’ – those citizens who are officially recognised as having fought for the Croatian armed forces in that conflict.
read articleAs the upcoming general elections in Serbia takes center in the political stage, approximately 6.5 million voters are poised to make their voices heard on the 17th of December, marking yet another chapter in the nation's electoral history.
read articleGlobale Verständigung ist ein Kunststück – vor allem dann, wenn Wörter zwar gleich aussehen, aber in jeder Region ihre eigene Bedeutung haben. So meinen die politischen Begriffe Rechts und Links in Lateinamerika nicht dasselbe wie in Südosteuropa. Die Missverständnisse, die sich daraus ergeben, haben historische Ursachen, die bis in die Kolonialzeit zurückgehen...
read articleIn contrast to the persecution of Jews during the Second World War, that of Roma was not as well-organised and prepared, nor as systematic. Rather, while Roma faced constant discrimination, their erasure...
read articleWhile in recent years, Southeast European Studies has become more sophisticated due to conceptual restructuring, it is important to acknowledge that many significant challenges lay ahead of us. Some of these were discussed during the first Southeast European Studies Forum...
read articleIn Romania, plastic waste is highly visible and engenders various reactions, from indifference to debate and action. In April 2021, Mara (woman, cultural journalist, mid-thirties), posted on Facebook a photo ...
read articleEin Schrottauto fährt los auf einer holprigen Straße in den Bergen und gleich läuft dem Fahrer auch noch ein Esel entgegen. Dazu Musik von Blechbläsern und feurige Rhythmen...
read articleHistorians of corruption claim that, although direct lessons cannot be derived from the past, the phenomenon of corruption can be better understood if we study it historically. On the one hand, today's activities regarded as corrupt were not specific to countries seen as corrupt. On the other hand, successful anticorruption is a historical, protracted process determined by a multitude of factors in a particular historical configuration.
read articleOrganizacije poput Francuske alijanse Osijek i Cercle francais d'Osijek doprinijele su promicanju francuskog jezika i kulture, te su postale važna mjesta za okupljanje francuskih državljana i lokalnog stanovništva zainteresiranog za francuski jezik i kulturu.
read articleSince the Kosovo War ended on June 10th, 1999, the international community has allocated an extensive amount of official development assistance (ODA) to transform Kosovo from a territory with minimal critical infrastructure into...
read articleKasëm Trebeshina war ein albanischer Autor, Dissident und politischer Gegner von Enver Hoxha. Trotz seines eigenen kommunistischen Hintergrundes hatte er ein Problem mit der nationalen Zensurpolitik unter dem kommunistischen Regime und schrieb ein Memorandum an Hoxha, für das er verhaftet...
read articleRomania. The country, which has been a member of the European Union since 2007, usually receives little attention in the western media. However, since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine...
read articleMemory wars in Croatia are often triggered by the presence of the World War Two „Ready for the Homeland“ (Za dom spremni) Ustaša salute, from its use by right-wing politicians and war veterans...
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium originated as an initiative by students from the universities of Graz, Jena and Regensburg. It aimed at providing an opportunity for networking among SEES students...
read articleKy punim është pjesë e monografisë sime “Censura e letërsisë së përkthyer në Shqipërinë totalitare: rasti Robinson Kruzo”,...
read articleAls Ehefrau des albanischen Diktators Enver Hoxha bleibt Nexhmije Hoxha in der Forschung häufig unbeachtet. Dennoch verfügte sie über eine einflussreiche Stellung...
read articleRat u Ukrajini probudio je sjećanja na ratove u bivšoj Jugoslaviji; i u meni, jer sam bio u Jugoslaviji kad su počeli ratovi. U ožujku 2022., samo dvanaest dana nakon početka ruske invazije, primio sam telefonski poziv od Pavla, starog prijatelja iz davnih dana, kao da se duh iz prošlosti vratio da mi kaže: “Bok, rat se opet vratio!"...
read articleIn November 2002, the city of Belgrade announced a sculptural design competition for a memorial dedicated to the ‘fallen fighters and victims’ of the Yugoslav wars during the 1990s. In response to this, a group of artists...
read articleSanja Iveković ist eine Künstlerin die seit den 70ern für ihre - damals wie heute - neuartige und provokante Kunst bekannt ist: Neuartig im Einsatz verschiedenster Medien und provokant vor allem durch ihre Themen. Sie polarisierte weltweit mit Werken zu...
read articleThe fight against corruption ‘adorns’, as we know, the project of European integration. But in the current context of multiple crises, it may lose some of its urgency, especially when corruption helps to ‘save the day’...
read articleZwischen 2018 und 2020 wurde eine Gruppe von sechs rumänischen Bauarbeitern aus der Region Botoșani, sowie ihre Angehörigen, im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit über mehrere Monate bei ihrem Versuch...
read articleWestliche Musik und Kultur, soziale Medien und amerikanische Filme – die serbische Jugend scheint der kyrillischen Schrift den Rücken gekehrt zu haben. Möchte man den Schlagzeilen der serbischen Boulevardpresse...
read articleDuring the summer term 2022, students of the University of Regensburg had the opportunity to take part in a week- long excursion to Serbia. They visited the capital...
read articlePressefreiheit gilt als einer der zentralen Indikatoren für eine demokratische Gesellschaft. Aus gutem Grund, unabhängige Berichterstattung über...
read articleDie Stadt Belgrad ist bunt. Es liegt der Geruch von Farbe in der Luft und selbst dem ungeschulten Auge wird schnell deutlich, dass es kaum eine Hauswand gibt, die in ihrem Originalzustand belassen wurde...
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