Press as an Actor and Factor of Albanian Language Planning and Albanian Linguistic Identity Construction

Abstract

How much does language affect our way of thinking, in our identity and culture expression? This symbiosis of influences between language and identity has drawn the attention of researchers, who have come to the conclusion that among our language, culture and identity there is a close relationship. All changes, developments and historical events are reflected in the way we use language and the speaking community is undoubtedly one of the purest examples of social identity reflection on individuals’ linguistic consciousness. From their origin as a nation, Albanian people have always seen language in an organic relation with ethnic consciousness. During the first stage of the Albanian language planning, which begins from 1908 and continues up to 1944, an important role was played by the press. We think that Albanian press functions in support of a common literary language can be divided into several aspects: Firstly, to reflect discussions, enterprises and institutional decisions about language. Secondly, to treat problems and discussions about specific and concrete language aspects. Thirdly, through selected publications, submitted documents and analyzing of historical and scientific facts, to create a certain opinion. To closely monitor these attitudes and functions fulfilled by interim magazines that were  published during the first stage of the Albanian language planning we choose as the object of our observation the respective magazines “Albania” and “Hylli i Dritës”, as two of the most enduring magazines, which had a clearly defined goal and were appreciated in Albania and abroad for the high level of their articles. 

Keywords: language planning, language policy, linguistic identity, social identity, Albanian language.