The Linguistic Dependence of an Independent Country

Abstract

This paper presents an outline of the current state of Albanian language in Kosovo in view of the impact of other languages, English in particular. It attempts to understand the underlying causes for the intrusion of English from a diachronic socio- linguistic viewpoint, by looking at similar phenomena across the world and relevant research by linguistic scholars. The paper seeks answers to the following questions: What are the causes of English expansion in Kosovo, and how is it affecting the Albanian language? What determines the choice of language and the level of tolerance for borrowings? Furthermore, are there suggested approaches on how to treat this type of modern-day bilingualism? The scope of this paper is in keeping with current efforts to see language changes from a constructive angle, that of bilingualism and multilingualism as global phenomena. In so doing, it aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the need to view language as organic and inextricably connected to the evolving social and cognitive fabric of its users.

This paper presents an outline of the current state of Albanian language in Kosovo in view of the impact of other languages, English in particular. It attempts to understand the underlying causes for the intrusion of English from a diachronic socio- linguistic viewpoint, by looking at similar phenomena across the world and relevant research by linguistic scholars. The paper seeks answers to the following questions: What are the causes of English expansion in Kosovo, and how is it affecting the Albanian language? What determines the choice of language and the level of tolerance for borrowings? Furthermore, are there suggested approaches on how to treat this type of modern-day bilingualism? The scope of this paper is in keeping with current efforts to see language changes from a constructive angle, that of bilingualism and multilingualism as global phenomena. In so doing, it aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the need to view language as organic and inextricably connected to the evolving social and cognitive fabric of its users.