Albanian Language Change

Abstract

Change in language, both in terms of contemporary language and language history, is a process that affects all language disciplines and levels and is an important object of study for researchers. This paper presents the results of a study of Albanian speakers (n=103). The study helps to better understand the change of Albanian in German-speaking countries and in the country of origin from the perspective of Albanian-speaking laypersons and experts. Three findings are central: First, the daily contact between the two main Albanian dialects (Gheg and Tosk) gives rise to a third hybrid dialectal variant that contains elements of both main dialects. Secondly, the transformation of the Albanian language is no longer influenced by Slavic languages as it was 20 years ago, but by English. Third, speakers of Albanian living in Germany and Switzerland are trying to slow down the pace of change by consciously avoiding German loan words when speaking Albanian.