Albania celebrates Alphabet Day, reflecting on language and unity

November 22, 2024 -Today, Albania celebrates Alphabet Day, marking the 114th anniversary of the Congress of Manastir, a defining moment in the country's history when the Albanian alphabet was standardized. The Congress, held from November 14 to 22 in 1908, brought together visionaries and patriots determined to unify the country’s language, which had previously been represented by a variety of alphabets. Their efforts resulted in the creation of a single, unified script, strengthening Albania's national identity and unity.

A day of pride and reflection

Alphabet Day is not only observed in Albania but also in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and by the Albanian diaspora around the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication of those who fought to secure a common linguistic framework, one that would help preserve the nation’s cultural identity. The adoption of the Latin-based alphabet was a bold step toward unifying the country, symbolizing Albanians' shared hopes for a future together.

Prime Minister Edi Rama addresses modern challenges

In his remarks on November 21, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the ongoing challenges the Albanian language faces today. Speaking at the National Assembly of the Albanian Language, he raised concerns over the impact of social media on linguistic integrity. Describing some online content as "delirious," Rama urged academics and linguists to protect the language from the effects of misinformation and degradation. "We have an obligation to ensure that the language doesn't degrade to the point of no return," he said, calling for vigilance in guarding the language against harmful influences.

In an important development, Rama announced the release of a draft for an updated Albanian dictionary, which will be published today to coincide with Alphabet Day. This new edition aims to help preserve the language’s strength and relevance, particularly as Albania prepares for the possibility of having Albanian recognized as an official language within the European Union.