On August 6, 1908, Eqrem Çabej was born in Gjirokastër. He became one of the most influential figures in Albanian language studies. Today, we mark 117 years since his birth.

Çabej shaped the foundation of modern Albanian linguistics. Scholars widely recognize him as one of the patriarchs of the Albanian language. He studied its origins, structure, and evolution with remarkable depth.

Throughout his life, he published widely. His articles appeared in international linguistic journals. He took part in global academic forums. His name became synonymous with authority in Albanology.

After finishing high school in Klagenfurt, Austria, he studied comparative Indo-European linguistics and Albanology. He attended the University of Graz and later the University of Vienna. In 1933, he earned a doctorate in philosophy.

Following his return to Albania, he began teaching. He worked in secondary schools in Shkodër, Elbasan, Gjirokastër, and Tirana. However, in 1940, the fascist regime removed him from the education system due to his anti-fascist views.

As a result, he moved to Rome. There, he contributed to the creation of the Albanian linguistic atlas. In 1944, he returned to Albania and joined the Institute of Sciences.

Soon after, he became one of the first lecturers at the two-year Higher Pedagogical Institute. When the University of Tirana opened, Çabej joined as a professor. He taught courses on Albanian language history and historical phonetics.

Importantly, he co-founded the Albanian Academy of Sciences. He also served on its Presidium. Until the end of his life, he worked at the Institute of Linguistics and Literature.

Çabej contributed greatly to higher education and academic research. He wrote key textbooks and co-authored many scientific studies. His research extended beyond linguistics—into folklore, ethnography, and literary history.

Some of his early works include:

• “Elements of Albanian Linguistics and Literature” (1936)
• “On the Genesis of Albanian Literature” (1939)
• “Introduction to the History of the Albanian Language” (1947, 1958)
• “Historical Phonetics of Albanian” (1958)
• “The Albanians Between East and West” (1994)

His major contributions include:

• “Etymological Studies in the Field of Albanian” (seven volumes, 1976–2006)
• A critical edition of “Meshari” by Gjon Buzuku (1555), published in two volumes

In addition, Çabej played a key role in creating the “Dictionary of the Albanian Language” (1954). He helped draft scientific and technical terminology across multiple fields. He also worked on Albania’s official orthography guidelines, which led to the 1973 publication of “The Orthography of the Albanian Language.”

Kosovo published his collected works under the title “Linguistic Studies” (1976), in nine volumes.

Throughout his career, Albania honored him with the First Class Republic Prize and the “Honor of the Nation” Order.

Eqrem Çabej died in Rome in 1980. Yet, his legacy continues to guide generations of linguists and students of Albanian culture.

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