The International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture, held annually since 1974, continues to grow each year in the number of foreign 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, over the 12 days of the seminar, participants will have the opportunity to visit Kosovo’s natural attractions, the city of Peja, and attend concerts, including a performance by an Arbëreshë group from Calabria.
The seminar’s director, Lindita Sejdiu, emphasized the importance of this event for Albanological studies and for the state of Kosovo.
Sejdiu told KosovaPress that the seminar also has pedagogical significance, as Albanian language courses are offered for students from around the world to learn the language and its culture.
“The International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture holds particular significance for Albanological studies in general, as well as for the state of Kosovo itself. At a time when Albania was isolated, the seminar served as a connecting bridge between Albanians in Kosovo and, for example, the Arbëreshë in Italy or the historical diaspora. The seminar also has pedagogical importance, not just scientific, because Albanian language courses are offered at various levels for researchers, students, and others from around the world to learn Albanian, get to know Albanians up close, and promote the Albanian language and Albanology in general,” Sejdiu said.
She recalled the long tradition of the seminar and its success.
Sejdiu said that some applications had to be rejected due to the high level of interest and limited financial resources to accommodate everyone.
“This seminar is traditional, held since 1974. It has proven very successful, which is why we have continued it. There have been some interruptions during difficult periods in Kosovo. This year marks the 43rd edition, attracting so many researchers and so much interest that we even had to reject some applications because we did not have the financial means to cover them all. This shows that Albanian remains an interesting and important language for foreign scholars,” she said.
The seminar director, Lindita Sejdiu, also highlighted the role of the seminar in strengthening institutions and international connections.
She added that, in addition to topics in linguistics and literature, other fields such as history and anthropology are also covered.
“It is a very important pillar that has contributed both to Kosovo’s independence and to strengthening the University of Prishtina, as well as to creating international connections for our institution. It is an institution in itself that should be supported as much as there are Albanians here… We have tried to cover various topics not only from linguistics and literature, but also other fields from history, anthropology, and social studies in general,” Sejdiu said.
The official opening will take place on August 18 at the “Ali Hadri” Historical Institute in Prishtina, and the first lecture will begin at 18:00, with the seminar concluding on August 29 this year.