The International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture, which has been held since 1974, continues to grow each year with participants from across the globe, including the United States, China, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and many European countries.
In its 43rd edition this year, 150 active participants will take part with papers, presentations, and scientific lectures. In addition to academic activities, during the 12 days of the seminar, participants will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Kosovo, visit the city of Peja, and attend concerts, including a performance by an Arbëresh group from Calabria.
The director of the seminar, Lindita Sejdiu, highlighted the importance of this event for Albanological studies and for the state of Kosovo.
Sejdiu told KosovaPress that the seminar also carries pedagogical significance, as it offers Albanian language courses for international students eager to learn the language and its culture.
“The International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture holds a special importance for Albanological studies in general, but also for the state of Kosovo itself. At a time when Albania was isolated, the seminar served as a bridge between Albanians in Kosovo and, for example, the Arbëresh in Italy or the wider diaspora. The seminar also has pedagogical value, not only scientific, since it provides Albanian language courses at several levels. Researchers, students, and others from around the world come to learn Albanian, to closely get to know Albanians, and it is, in a way, a promotion of the Albanian language and Albanology overall,” said Sejdiu.
She recalled the long-standing tradition of the event and its success, noting that due to high demand, some applications had to be rejected for financial reasons.
“This seminar is traditional, taking place since 1974. It has proven very successful and therefore we have continued it, with some interruptions naturally during difficult times in Kosovo. This year marks the 43rd edition. Many scholars are coming, there is great interest, and we even had to refuse some applications as we lacked the financial means to cover all of them. This shows that Albanian remains an interesting and important language for foreign scholars,” Sejdiu emphasized.
She also underlined the seminar’s role in strengthening institutions and international relations.
“It is a very important pillar that has contributed to Kosovo’s independence, the strengthening of the University of Prishtina, and the building of our institutional international connections. It is, in itself, an institution that deserves the full support of Albanians everywhere. Alongside themes from linguistics and literature, we have tried to cover other fields as well, such as history, anthropology, and broader social studies,” Sejdiu stated.
The opening ceremony will be held on August 18 at the “Ali Hadri” Institute of History in Prishtina, with the first lecture scheduled for 18:00. The seminar will conclude on August 29 of this year.
