At the opening of the National Assembly for the Albanian Language, themed “Challenges of the Albanian Language in the 21st Century,” Skënder Gjinushi, President of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, delivered a keynote address.

On behalf of the Academy, Gjinushi endorsed the Albanian Government’s initiative to declare 2024 as the Year of the Albanian Language, celebrated across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Arbëresh communities, Montenegro, and the diaspora.

Highlighting the historical significance of the 1908 Congress of Manastir, Gjinushi stated:
“Without the unification of the alphabet and the adoption of Latin script, it is impossible to understand the historical path the Albanian language has followed for over a century.”

He emphasized the importance of studies in population genetics and archaeology, which confirm 8,000 years of continuous settlement in the region, underscoring the unique heritage of the Albanian language, rooted in pre-Illyrian and pre-Pelasgian origins.

Gjinushi called for the protection of the Albanian language, particularly from misuse or neglect, and stressed the significance of the standardized language as a hallmark of cultural and linguistic development.

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