There is a different version of I love you: Të dashuroj, a longer version of the first. It has three translations: to need, to want, and to love.

So when an Albanian says Unë të dua, they really mean it!

Love Phrases In Albanian

Culture And Love In Albania

The most powerful Albanian word is dua, but what does this translate to culturally?

When it comes to dating and love, every country is different, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all generalization you can make about a nation.

That being said, Albania is definitely a more conservative culture. For example, there is a lower divorce rate compared to Western Europe, and women dress a lot more conservatively(as they do in other majority Muslim countries).

What Are Weddings Like In Albania

Albanian weddings are crazy in all the right kinds of ways. Weddings are sometimes week-long affairs that involve everyone in the community, and there are many elaborate rituals between the bride and groom’s families.

Why Are There Guns During Weddings In Albania?

It is common, particularly in rural settings, to fire guns in the air when the bride arrives at the groom’s house. It is a tradition that goes back years and has its roots in Albania’s warrior past. However, perhaps the people who started it couldn’t imagine modern people with their automatic rifles.

Gems In Albanian Weddings?

As discussed elsewhere in the Albanian blog, the number of Albanians living abroad is three times higher than that of people who live in Albania. Nowadays, in the likes of America, you will see combinations of old Albanian traditions and the modern elements of a wedding. For example, the bride and her bridesmaids might start the ceremony wearing veshje e katunit, a traditional Albanian outfit, and then, later on, change into modern wedding gowns.

Veshje e katunit is combined with a jelek, a vest made of 24-karat gold thread and adorned with crystals. If there’s one thing about Albanians, it’s that they don’t do things by half measures. That being said, what you spend on the dress and the reception can often be recouped in the gifts you receive from family, friends, and community members.

More Love Phrases In Albanian

Eager for more vocabulary for your loved one? Check out these love phrases in Albanian that will make him or her swoon. Remember, memorization is not just through reading but speaking out loud!

Love Poetry In Albania

As a country with such a complicated and sad history, there are some excellent examples of romance and love poetry. The most famous is Lahuta e Malcís or the highland lute. It was first published in 1937 by Gjergj Fishta.

It isn’t a love poem about a girl but rather a love letter to the Albanian nation itself. From its length, 17000 verses, we can presume Gjergj Fishta really loved Albania.

The translated poem opens with:

The Bandits, Help me, God, as you once helped me. Five hundred years are now behind us. Since Albania, the fair was taken.

The Look Of Love, Ling, And The Albanian Language

The engineers and teachers at Ling understand that you cannot just focus on basic vocabulary to learn Albanian phrases. You need to drill deeper. If you learn Albanian with us, three separate units deal with love and romance, not forgetting the chatbot function, which allows you to practice free talk with our AI algorithm. Want to try it now? Download it on the Play Store or App Store and see for yourself.

Luckily, Albanian has the same alphabet as the most common European languages, so you don’t need to practice your writing. Still, when it comes to learning Lao, for example, we have writing practice in the app, which allows you to get used to the new script.

The world is opening back up. So don’t be caught short when you meet the nicest Albanian girl in Tirana on the dancefloor of the city’s coolest nightclub. We have blogs on basic Albanian phrases like please ju lutem, and How cool O sa Mirë, as well as verb forms like to come down të zbresë 

Unë e dua Ling. We hope that you will come over, sign up, and join our Albanian community today. It is the perfect antidote for loneliness.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and we’ll get back to you.

Since there is no Albanian on Duolingo, let’s talk about the possible reasons for that and some great alternatives! One good alternative app is Ling, which you can really enjoy mastering all of your language learning skills. From speaking, reading, listening, or writing, this app can be effective for your language fluency.

But before that, let’s take a closer look at the Albanian language, the Duolingo language learning app, and 2 amazing alternative apps to try if you still want to learn Albanian!

About The Albanian Language

Did you know that the nouns Albania and Albanian are actually exonyms? This means that they are the commonly used name for a specific place or group but are not necessarily what the locals use!

As a rule of thumb, remember that Shqiptar refers to the citizens of Albania, while Shqipëria is what they call their country. As for the language they use, the locals call it Shqip. 

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into what the Albanian language is!

Where Is Albanian Spoken?

Despite being spoken by over 7.6 million people from the Balkan peninsula and the official language of Albania, you might be surprised to know that this language is actually not directly linked to any other languages! In other words, it has its very own linguistic branch, just like Germanic and Armenian.

Since the language does not share specific qualities with the other languages used in its neighboring countries, it might be best to learn Albanian independently since it has a rather complex syntactic structure.

Is It Difficult To Learn Albanian?

It’s seldom simple to pick up a new tongue from square one. But if you want to learn Albanian and put in the time and effort, you can simplify the process for yourself. According to the FSI, Albanian is a third-level language. You must spend at least 44 weeks immersed in the language to convey your ideas clearly and correctly. If you’re curious about how difficult it is to pick up Albanian, follow this link.

Do Locals Speak English In Albania?

The level of English proficiency among Albanians varies. English proficiency is higher among the younger population and city dwellers, especially in major cities like Tirana and Durres. Schools often provide English as second language classes, and other options exist for learning the language.

It’s worth noting, nevertheless, that people of a certain age and in some rural locations may have trouble communicating effectively in English. The average level of English proficiency in rural areas may be lower than in larger cities.

However, one of the good things is that some of the common words used by the locals are somewhat similar to English, such as: 

As you can see from the table above, these Albanian words are quite similar to their English counterparts. Interestingly, there are not only similarities between English and Albanian, but a great deal of lexical borrowing between Latin, Greek, Turkish, and Italian as well!

The Albanian language also has 2 major dialects: Gege (also known as Gheg and Geg in the north) and Tosk (in the south). The Gege is known for its marked subvarieties and nasal vowels, while Toske is the official dialect used in the country.

As for its alphabet, it has a total of 36 letters, 29 of which are consonants and 7 being vowels.

 Why Is There No Albanian On Duolingo?

While we don’t know the exact reason why Albanian isn’t featured on Duolingo, we can do our best to speculate.

The difficulty of Albanian might be one reason why it’s not featured on Duolingo. To put the Albanian language into perspective, let’s take a look at the infamous FSI language ranking system, which ranks the difficulty of a language in terms of how long it takes English speakers to learn it. Of course, these intervals should be taken with a grain of salt since every language learner is different, but it’s still a rather accurate indication of how difficult languages are. So, let’s take a look!

• Category I: Languages that require approximately 24-30 weeks, or 600-750 class hours, to reach proficiency. This category contains languages like French and Spanish.
• Category II: Languages that require approximately 30 weeks to reach proficiency. This includes languages like German.
• Category III: Languages that require approximately 36 weeks, or 900 hours, to reach proficiency. This category includes languages like Indonesian and Swahili.
• Category IV: Languages that require approximately 44 weeks, or 1100 class hours, to reach proficiency. This is the largest category and contains languages such as Russian, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese, and more.
• Category V: Languages that require approximately 88 weeks, or 2200 hours, to reach proficiency. These languages include Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and more.

As you can see, there’s a category for each language. While Albanian might not be a category V language, since it still uses the Latin writing system rather than characters, it’s definitely not a category I language. Our best guess is that it’s somewhere between Category III and Category IV language. Its written system is easier, making it lean more toward a Category III language, but its pronunciation aligns more with Category IV languages. You’ll just have to learn Albanian and see which category it is for yourself!

Another reason why Albanian might not be featured on Duolingo is due to its relatively small number of speakers, especially when compared to other European countries. For instance, there are only 7.6 million Albanian speakers, while there are 463 million Spanish speakers and 275 million French speakers. Even its neighboring country of Greece has 12.2 million speakers. So, our best guess is that Duolingo might not be interested in featuring a lesser-known language when there are so many other more widely spoken languages.

What Are 2 Alternatives To Duolingo?

Alternative #1: The Ling app

No Albanian on Duolingo? The Ling app can help you learn Albanian the same way you would if you were actually in the country!

With its gamified lesson plans, the whole language learning process just became fun! You can even track your own progress every step of the way by taking quizzes. But, perhaps the best feature is the app’s interactive AI chatbot that can simulate real-life conversations to help you practice your language skills.

We know there are a lot of language apps out there, but what sets Ling apart is its focus on practical vocabulary, sentences, and phrases that you can use in everyday speech with locals!

Alternative #2: Simply Learn

Simply Learn offers Albanian in a more phrasebook form. What this means is that you can listen to the words and phrases being spoken by native Albanian speakers, while being able to see the Albanian and phonetic spellings of words. 

Not to mention, the flashcards and spaced repetition learning technique really allow you to improve your skills, no matter the language you’re learning! If you need help with pronunciation or want to learn basic grammar rules, Simply Learn might just be the perfect language-learning app for you!

Other Alternatives To Note

There are quite a few different apps and websites available to help you learn Albanian. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference and what kind of language learner you are.

No matter what language learning platform you use, it’s always a good idea to make a plan if you are serious about learning a new language. Having a plan will help keep you focused and on track toward reaching your goals. However, if you’re just looking for a more casual learning experience, there are plenty of language apps out there for you to try.

What Are The Chances Of Albanian Appearing In Duolingo?

While many people would still like to see Albanian featured in Duolingo, this is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Instead of focusing on Albanian not being on Duolingo, what you can do is look for alternatives and explore other apps! Who knows, you might even discover an app that you like better!

Final Thoughts

If you want to learn Albanian, go and try the Ling app! The app is even available for both iOS and Android devices, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t at least try it out! mësim i lumtur (happy learning in Albanian)!

Learning Albanian may be enjoyable for those with travel plans to the country or those wishing to broaden their language horizons. Nowadays, thanks to the growth of mobile devices and applications, learning a new language can be a fun and productive experience.

In this article, we’ll look at four of the most interesting and useful applications for picking up Albanian.

The Albanian Language Overview

Let’s look at some facts about the Albanian language so you’ll be more interested in studying it.

Where Is Albanian Spoken?

Albanian is an Indo-European language spoken in the nation of Albania and in ethnic communities in other areas of the Balkans. In total, Albania has approximately 7.5 million speakers.

Albanians call their language Shqipëri, which linguistic historians think means ‘pronounce intelligibly.’

There are two dominant dialects, Gheg and Tosk (Tosk is prevalent in the South and Gheg in the North). Official Albanian in the Roman script wasn’t standardized until 1909. 

It has been said that learning Albanian is challenging since the language is so unique. To study Albanian, you’ll need to overcome some challenges that make it hard for native English speakers to pick up. Albanian is one of a kind because it incorporates words and grammar from other languages that no longer exist, including Greek, Latin, and the now-extinct Indo-European tongues of Dacian, Thracian, and Illyrian. However, with effort, anyone can master it!

Some Basic Information About Albania

Albania is located in Southeast Europe. Interestingly, it’s hemmed in by 3 different seas, the Adriatic, the Ionian, and the Mediterranean. Its land borders are with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Its capital is Tirana.

Albania has a fascinating history. Many of the world’s greatest civilizations have heavily influenced it, including the Illyrians, Greeks, Ottomans, and Romans. For the latter part of the 20th century, it was under the rule of a communist dictatorship; however, the 21st century has seen capitalist reforms. In 2014 Albanians even joined the European Union!

Note: We hear from many Albanian learners that the main reason they want to learn the language is that they’re taking a short holiday to Albania. This doesn’t surprise us. Albania has seen a 700% rise in tourism numbers over recent years.

The reasons for this are twofold. The capital is becoming a great place to visit for a staycation. It’s cheap, fun, and there’s plenty to do. Secondly, the Albanian coast is known as the Albanian Riviera for its comparison to the south coast of France.

Is It Difficult To Learn Albanian?

However, with effort, anyone can master it! You just need 44 weeks, or at least 1100 hours, to master Albanian and start communicating like a native. So, you should prepare a few things about the complexity of the Albanian language.

Why Should You Learn Albanian?

Learning Albanian exposes a diverse cultural landscape, facilitates making new friends, and enriches vacations abroad. This language bridges the gap between Albanian speakers and others because of its distinctive linguistic structure and history. It’s one of the continent’s oldest tongues.

Therefore, recognizing the value of learning Albanian shows an appreciation for linguistic variety. As I said, Albanian is a language with deep historical roots, and studying it helps to keep it alive and well. In under a hundred words, learning Albanian is revealed to deepen one’s knowledge, connections, and intellectual growth while welcoming a rich cultural tapestry.

Best Apps For Learning Albanian

1. Ling

One of the easiest methods for Albanian beginners to get introduced to a language is using Ling. In addition to learning words and phrases, it also has engaging mini-games and quizzes!

The Ling app‘s interactive courses, gamified approach, and user-friendly layout make it a top pick among language learning apps, regardless of how seriously you want to study a new language. If you’re looking for a travel buddy to learn a new language, the Ling app can be just what you need.

Pros

• Ling offers 200 Albanian lessons on 50 topics, covering all required conversational topics.
• Mini-games, puzzles, and fill-in-the-blank quizzes are all great ways to practice your Albanian.
• All-Albanian-Speaker Audio Recording.
• Vocabulary levels include basic, intermediate, and advanced.
• Phrases and grammatical structures are divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
• The lessons were created in consultation with native speakers.
• The intelligent chatbot assists you in practicing real-life conversations before speaking with locals.
• A user-friendly design that is simple to use and will help you become more engaged in your language studies.

Cons

• The number of available lessons is limited in the free version.
• There is a basic grammar lesson. However, the app does not provide more advanced grammar lessons.

Are you desperate to know what the best apps for learning Albanian are? Look no further. We might be a little biased because we think that Ling is the best app.

Pimsleur

Probably the most famous app on this list for learning a new language is Pimsleur. It has a creative course that uses audio lessons to teach learners a new language. The course’s focus on pronunciation and real-world conversational skills is remarkable! It works well for auditory learners, but not everyone likes to learn in that way. Although the membership price may be expensive for some, the app’s emphasis on oral skills may be well worth it.

For $119.95, you can gain access to 1 level of Albanian course. However, it may hinder learners’ ability to grasp its concepts due to its high cost fully.

Pros

• The 7-day free trial is a great way to see if you like the program.
• The moderator guides you a lot at first and then gradually disappears as you get more proficient. Most people see this as a pro, but it could be viewed as a con if you don’t like an initial hand-holding approach.
• Interactive learning techniques, such as a spaced repetition system for vocabulary. However, this is a feature now utilized by most language-learning apps. That being said, the presentation of real-life exchanges of vocabulary is a good feature.
• Pimsleuer is flexible. Many apps market themselves in terms of how you can fit learning easily into your hectic learning schedule. A particularly good feature is the driving mode which offers a hands-off learning experience.
• The user interface is really pretty!

Cons

• Pimsleur is super expensive even compared to the likes of Rosetta Stone, which is about £3 cheaper. It’s almost 4x the price of Ling!
• I would expect some kind of voice recognition technology for the price, so the app can tell by your speech pattern if you’re pronouncing words correctly.
• The lessons are all audio-based, so they are not ideal for visual learners.

There isn’t much writing and grammar practice for those of you who like that kind of thing.

2. uTalk

uTalk is a relative newcomer to the market. It was started by two English friends who wanted to learn French and realized books just weren’t up to it. The company is based in London, and its biggest selling point is the 140+ languages it offers. No course offers so many other languages to language learners.

If you’re just starting off with the Albanian language and want to pick up some helpful phrases, uTalk is a great resource. It’s a huge lexical range. While it may help intermediate learners improve their vocabulary and pronunciation, it does not provide intensive language training or grammatical explanations.

Pros

• A Good user interface with clear directions once you’re in the app.
• Not only a wide range of languages but also a wide range of topics.

Cons

• The app claims to have phrase practice; however, it’s basically just vocabulary practice with individual words.
• There is not much, if any, grammar practice. Personally, I’m not too fond of grammar practice, but I think a little is important.
• No writing practice. This isn’t such a big deal in Albanian because it’s based on the Latin writing script. However, it is a massive problem if you want to learn something like Mandarin.
• The app speed is painfully slow and will frustrate even the most patient of learners. It can take 10 minutes to download 1 course.
• If you go for the option of uTalk coins, it is super expensive if you want to learn more than 1 course.
• Once you sign up for the platform, you receive a lot of spam mail.

3. iTalki

iTalki app and website allow language students to connect with private tutors for one-on-one lessons. I can say it’s the best place to find a tutor for the Albanian language you’re studying. Additionally, it’s super flexible and reasonable too! With iTalki, language lessons are done online, using platforms like Skype or Zoom. Because of its focus on personalized, one-on-one instruction, iTalki is a great resource for anybody looking to enhance their language skills in real time.

Budget-friendly choices exist because certified teachers and volunteer tutors are available. However, the quality of lessons varies from teacher to teacher. During lessons, learners can easily communicate with one another using the built-in video chat and messaging tools, and outside of class, they may use the notebook function to help them learn the language. Even though the app promotes verbal and auditory communication, combining the lessons with more organized learning materials and practice would be better.

Pros

• High-quality one-on-one tutoring and conversation exercises.
• Join the free iTalki community to get your questions answered.
• Take lessons at your own speed.
• You can choose a time that works for you.
• In order to help new learners discover the best teacher for them, the app offers them 3 free trial lessons.

Cons

• Finding an available time slot may take some time.
• It may take some time to discover an ideal teacher on iTalki, as the quality of teachers is somewhat variable.
• Lack of lessons with better-structured study resources.

Which Of The Best Apps For Learning Albanian Will You Pick?

We’re not saying this because we’re biased, but we firmly believe Ling is the best language learning app for learning Albanian. The two previously mentioned definitely have some merits; however, their downsides are too big compared to Ling.

To put it simply, Pimsleur is just too expensive for what you get. uTalk is probably also too expensive. However, its biggest drawback is undeniably its functionality. If they want to stick around in the market, they need to make massive improvements in the speed of their app.

Learn Albanian With Ling Now!

The Ling app distinguishes out among the many language-learning applications available today because of its comprehensive approach, engaging content, and customized learning paths. The Ling app is a helpful resource for learners of all levels since it focuses on improving proficiency in four essential areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing!

It’s a more well-rounded app than the two and ticks all the boxes. Especially because it makes the learning process fun. As I said, Ling has speaking, listening, reading, and writing practice. There is also grammar practice!

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out our Albanian blog, which is updated twice a week? On there, you’ll find everything from relationship vocabulary in Albanian to color names in Albanian.

Updated content by Mei

To learn Albanian numbers in the fastest way, you need to practice reading and listening to the numbers I offer you in this blog post, one by one. You can follow the content in the tables I have prepared so that you can easily learn the numbers. This time we will learn about cardinal and ordinal numbers to help you practice your daily phrases.

As a result of constant listening, you will learn Albanian numbers in a concise time!

What Are Albanian Numbers?

Like any language, Albanian has its quirks. For instance, when counting objects, the noun’s gender can affect the number’s ending. Learning these nuances will make your conversations more accurate.

Albanian numbers are unique and distinctive. While they may seem intimidating at first, breaking them down step by step can make them feel more approachable. Let’s dive in!

Albanian Cardinal Numbers

Albanian cardinal numbers convey the “how many.” They’re also known as “counting numbers,” because they show quantity.

Here are some examples:

Albanian Ordinal Numbers

Albanian ordinal numbers tell you the order of things in a set: first, second, third, etc. Ordinal numbers do not show quantity. They just show rank or position. Below is a list of the Cardinal Numbers and Ordinal Numbers in Albanian. If you memorize this table, you will add beneficial and important words to your Albanian vocabulary.

Other Numbers In Albanian

Albanian Numbering Rules

Now that you’ve had an essence of the most useful numbers let’s talk about the writing rules for the tens, the compound numbers, the hundreds, then thousands, and beyond (if possible).

Numbers from zero to nine are specific words.

• One – Një
• Two – Dy
• Three – Tre
• Four – Katër
• Five – Pesë
• Six – Gjashtë
• Seven – Shtatë
• Eight – Tetë
• Nine – Nëntë
• Ten – Dhjetë

Albanian Numbers From Ten To Nineteen

Ten is dhjetë [10]. From eleven to nineteen, the numbers are formed by agglutinating the digit to the morpheme sequence mbë + dhjetë (meaning onto ten) with no space: njëmbëdhjetë [11], dymbëdhjete [12], trembëdhjetë [13], katërmbëdhjetë [14], pesëmbëdhjetë [15], gjashtëmbëdhjetë [16], shtatëmbëdhjetë [17], tetëmbëdhjetë [18], and nëntëmbëdhjetë [19].

Albanian Numbers And Counting For Tens

The tens are formed on the multiplier digit followed by the word ten, except for ten, twenty and forty: dhjetë [10], njëzetnti [20], tridhjetë [30] (dhjetë being feminine, the feminine form of three is used), dyzet [40], pesëdhjetë [50], gjashtëdhjetë [60], shtatëdhjetë [70], tetëdhjetë [80], and nëntëdhjetë [90]. Twenty and forty are formed on the old number name zet, not used anymore, meaning a score—a trace of an old vigesimal system. Thus, njëzetnti [20] means one score (një + zet), and dyzet [40], two scores (dy + zet).

Albanian Compound Numbers

Compound numbers are formed by adding the coordinating conjunction e (and) between the ten and the unit (e.g., njëzet e dy [22], pesëdhjetë e gjashtë [56]).

The hundreds are formed by putting together the multiplier digit and the hundred word (qind): njëqind [100], dyqind [200], treqind [300], katërqind [400]…

Hundreds and tens are linked with the coordinating conjunction e (e.g., njëqind e një [101], gjashtëqind e trembëdhjetë [613]).

Thousands are formed by setting the multiplier digit, a space, and the word for thousand (mijë): një mijë [1,000], dy mijë [2,000], tre mijë [3,000]… Thousands, hundreds and tens are linked with the coordinating conjunction e (e.g., tre mijë e dyqind [3,200], pesë mijë e katërqind e gjashtëdhjetë [5,460]), but thousands and units follow each other with no conjunction (e.g., një mijë një [1,001]).

Big Scale Albanian Numbers

The Albanian language uses the long scale for big numbers where every new word more significant than a million is one million times bigger than the previous term. One million is një milion, një miliard is 109 (the US billion), and një bilion (1012) worth a thousand US billions, the next step, 1015, being një trilion (one quadrillion). Note that the word for million is feminine. The feminine form of three is needed in tri million [three million].

Big scale numbers are linked with the same coordinating conjunction e (e.g., një milion e katërqind e pesëdhjetë mijë [1,450,000], dy miliard e treqind milion e katërqind mijë [2,300,400,000]).

When used in a cardinal number, the words qind (hundred), mijë (thousand), milion (million), miliard (billion), etc., remain in their singular form. They do have a plural form, qind and mijë taking the suffix -ra, the others the suffix -a, used to indicate an imprecise quantity (e.g., qindra [hundreds], mijëra [thousands], miliona [millions]).

Learn More About The Albanian Language With Ling

How was learning Albanian numbers? I bet you’ve been wanting to learn more about this amazing language. Cardinal Numbers and Ordinal Numbers have a very important role in Albanian. Once you’re done with Albanian Numbers, you might want to learn Pronouns or Question Words in the Albanian Language using a language-learning app like the Ling app. 

The Ling app is a handy mobile app for learning 60+ languages other than Albanian. It is a gamified app filled with lessons about grammar, exercises, and fun activities. If you’re eager to learn more, then download the app on the Play Store or App Store now!

So, in this blog post, there’ll be no mention of the complicated reciprocal or reflexive pronouns. Instead, we’ll simply take a look at the Personal, Possessive, and Indefinite pronouns. Sounds ok? Let’s go!

The Albanian Pronouns

Before we start, here is a taster for you:

• I – Unë
• My – Im
• Everywhere – Kudo

Confused? You won’t be any longer. Let’s take a look at those pronouns below!

1. Personal Pronouns

When you think personal pronoun, you should be thinking substitute. It stands in for someone or something’s name. The benefits of personal pronouns are that they keep things neat and concise.

Imagine the alternative: ‘Michael was born in 1989. Michael first went to the school when he was five years old, where Michael enjoyed writing. Michael went to university to study journalism when he was 18.

Albanian nouns work much the same way, except there are allowances made for masculine nouns and feminine nouns ‘it’ and ‘they.’

2. Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns are similar substitute words, except they indicate that something belongs to someone.

For instance, read this sentence: ‘Michael likes Michael’s writing.’

It doesn’t sound quite right. Thus, it makes more sense to replace the second ‘Michael’ with ‘his’.

3. Indefinite Pronouns And Linking Words

With this one, the key is in the title. Indefinite – Uncertain. We use them when it’s vague who we’re talking about.

For instance: “Someone said that Newcastle United is playing tonight.”

Linking words link ideas together and are often found in the same sentences as pronouns.

For instance: “Michael likes spaghetti, but he doesn’t like Bananas.”

The Future Of Pronouns

Gender-neutral pronouns are becoming increasingly popular with young people. Two popular ones are Ze and Zir. However, things are slower to change in Albania. Gender roles are very much baked into the societal structure.

How To Learn Albanian

I was recently watching a Youtube video by language expert Chris Lonsdale in which he discusses how best to learn a foreign language. Here, I’m going to present his principles and actions and give some of my own tips:

Principles

1. Focus on language content that is relevant to you: There is no point in learning vocabulary related to Marine biology if you plan to study biodiversity in Chiang Mai.

2. Use your new language as a tool to communicate from day 1: This is closely related to simply not being shy. Students should be encouraged to engage with native speakers when they have basic phrases mastered on the Ling app. Learning is doing.

3. When you first understand the message, you will unconsciously acquire the language: Language acquisition is not about acquiring knowledge; it’s about understanding the language in context. That’s why Ling’s unique lessons are so useful.

4. Physiological training: Something that is often overlooked is the actual physical act of speaking. Sounds are formed differently in different languages. It can be helpful to repeatedly drill like you would with a weight at the gym.

Actions

1. Listen a lot: Input. Input. Input. Or brain soaking, as Chris calls it. Surround yourself with the language, and it will begin to become a part of you. 

2. Focus on getting the meaning first: This point is similar to principle 3. Meaning in context is key. There’s no point learning esoterically if you’re a beginner. 

3. Start mixing: When you have 10 verbs, 10 adjectives, 10 nouns, you have 1000 phrase combinations. This is how babies learn to speak, gradually building up and making their language more complex.

4. Focus on the core – high-frequency language: Again, this seems obvious but is often overlooked. On day number 1 of learning a new language, you probably want to focus on introducing yourself rather than the second conditional. Ling’s app makes sure that you learn the basics first. 

5. Get a language parent: As hard as this can be to admit for teachers, a lot of the best learning takes place outside the classroom. A student at a school might only be with you for a few hours a week. That isn’t enough time to become fluent. So putting in the hard work at home with a partner is critical. 

6. Copy the face: This harks back to how babies learn. Students should watch videos of native speakers forming the actual words with their mouths. It’s a form of drilling, but then drilling is key even if it has become unpopular in some circles.

7. Direct connect to mental images: This is where the efficacy of flashcards is so obvious. Ling’s spaced repetition system makes use of this tactic.

Learn Albanian With Ling

There is a certain suspicion and snootiness around the notion that it’s possible to get good at something fast. The idea has been tarnished by ‘get rich quick schemes’. But this is something different. This is linguistic science backed up by hard data. With the proper techniques and some discipline, you can go from zero to fluent in 6 months. 

Your foundation should be this Albanian blog as well as the Ling app, where we have hundreds of Albanian language lessons. Our program is vital for beginner learners and is something that you can undoubtedly build upon with articles in colloquial Albanian and listening activities in your target language. 

I think that’s enough Albanian grammar for today. If you’d like more lessons like pronouns in Albanian, download the Ling app from App Store or Play Store and start exploring the fun and engaging grammar lessons in store for you!

Until the next time. 

Here’s one of my favorite Albanian sayings to get you going:

Çdo njeri ndërton fatin e vet– Everyone builds their own destiny.

In case you haven’t heard, Ling is undeniably the best language-learning application for studying Albanian (where we also talk you through an Albanian proverb lesson).

What are Ling‘s strongest features? Personally, I love the sheer choice of languages on offer. Ling has 60 languages, which is a staggering amount compared to other language-learning apps. There are Engish and Mandarin courses; however, you’ll find lesser-known gems like Albanian, Serbian, etc.

Second, I love the cost (because who doesn’t love an app where you can get a lifetime membership for $149.99?) What people often overlook in a lifetime membership is that it literally means a lifetime. With the cost of inflation, getting a lifetime subscription in the year 2023 will save you a fortune by the time you get to the year 2028.

Read till the end to find out more about what Ling can do for you.

List Of Albanian Proverbs

English	Albanian	Sound
Everyone builds their own destiny	Çdo njeri ndërton fatin e vet	Play
A good start is half the battle	Fillimi i mbarë është gjysma e punës	Play
Tell me who you hang out with, and I’ll tell you who you are	Më thuaj me kë rri, të të them cili je	Play
A dog that barks a lot, does not bite you	Qeni që leh shumë, nuk t’gic	Play
As long as you live, you will learn	Sa të rrosh, do të mësosh	Play
Work work day and night, to see a little light	Punë punë natë e ditë, që të shohim pakëz dritë	Play
Do not ask how he died, but how he lived	Mos pyet si vdiq, por si rrojti	Play
The apple does not fall away from the apple	Molla nuk bie larg mollës	Play
Do not leave today’s work for tomorrow	Punën e sotme mos e lër për nesër	Play
Nobody can serve two masters	Asnjëri nuk mund ti shërbejë dy zotërinj	Play
Everyone builds their own destiny.	Çdo njeri ndërton fatin e vet.	Play
The cat’s away, the mice will play	Iku macja, lozin minjtë	Play
Advice in one ear, and out the other	Në njërin vesh (më) hyn, në tjetrin (më) del	Play
The big fish eats the small one	Peshku i madh ha të voglin.	Play

If you liked this list, let us know if you want more Albanian proverbs. There is a whole host we didn’t show you, but I’ll give you a few phrasal clues about what you could expect from another list.

• ‘Even the hen.’ Play
• ‘Not your foe.’ Play
• ‘Remain friends.’ Play
• ‘Own fortune.’ Play
• ‘Walking stick.’ Play

Intrigued? Let us know if you want more. 

What Is Albanian Kanun?

Whereas proverbs show us a way to live, kanun is the last actual law that Albanians live by.

Kanun is slightly complicated because it isn’t law how we know it in Northern Europe. Kanun has a lot more of a tribal element than, for example, English common law.

The concept of Kanun can be traced back 500 years; however, nothing was written down. It wasn’t until the Ottoman administration in the 1800s that anything was actually codified. During the Communist regime, which lasted for the final half of the 20th century, all tribal elements of Albanian society were banished, including kanun. However, the system returned after the regime collapsed, albeit in a watered-down form.

What Are Some Key Aspects Of Kanun?

After learning Albanian proverbs, it’s important to know more about Kanun. It is an extremely complex topic to pin down and has ancestor worship, animism, and totemism elements. Perhaps it is best to describe it in terms of some simple precepts such as faith, honor, and revenge. An analogous(although different) concept might be the Islamic rule of Sharia Law.

You are faithful to your God, honorable to your friends and family, and take revenge on anybody who gets in the way of the first of these 2 things.

As you’d imagine, kanun is very controversial, particularly with secular-minded liberal Albanians. Part of Kanun is the idea of blood feuds, i.e., koka për kokë (head for a head). Those of you familiar with the Godfather movies might know what this might be like. In the world of the mafia, it’s known as a vendetta. Some estimates that I’ve found online suggest that 10,000 people have died since 1990 due to blood feuds. Even reading newspapers currently in Albania, you will often find a story of a vendetta tucked away somewhere on an inside page.

Learn The Albanian Language With Ling

So there’s your list of Albanian sayings.

When I left you in the introduction, I discussed some reasons why I love Ling and mentioned the number of courses and the lessons.

The third thing I love about Ling is the user interface.

Don’t get me wrong, other apps are perhaps more comprehensive than Ling, but they’re as dry and aesthetically pleasing as mass-produced bread. The creators of Ling have brought a unique feel to their app with a beautiful user interface supplemented with mini-games and quizzes.

The fourth thing is this blog. I’ve been writing for Ling for almost 1 year now, and we haven’t missed a week in all that time. That is the kind of support you just don’t find with any other language app. Download it now on the Play Store or App Store.

Check out the last 2 that we’ve written, and let us know what you think. Congratulations in Albanian and common daily vocabulary in Albanian.

That is the best way to fit in as one of the locals. So, when you can speak with them in their native language, they appreciate it very much. What’s more, there are chances that they open up their homes and share their strong drinks, good foods, and great stories about their interesting country and beautiful people.

Ok, people, I think it’s time to discover a word you’ll use many times while visiting Albania. You still don’t know what that word is? It’s hard for me to believe that, but I will still tell you what that word is: Gëzuar! Gëzuar means cheers in Albanian. The ban on major public gatherings has not dampened Albania’s enthusiasm to listen to music, laugh, follow positive vibes, and drink a glass or two. That’s the reason why you should learn to say:” Gëzuar!”

Other Ways To Say Cheers In Albanian

We already learned that Gëzuar means cheers in Albanian. However, there are 2 other ways to say the same thing: 

• Brohoritje (Cheers)
• Per shendetin tend (To your health)

Most Consumed Drinks In Albania

Gorani sok (Gorani Soda)

This beverage is traditionally produced by people from the Gorani community in Albania and neighboring countries. Gorani sok is a fermented, gassy drink that’s either non-alcoholic or has a deficient alcohol percentage. In order to produce the drink, the fruits are allowed to ferment inside sealed jars or bottles under anaerobic conditions.

The local population gathers a wide range of cultivated and wild fruits and berries from the mountainsides. Those gifts of nature can be used in the production of Gorani sok, including apples, bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cherry plums, rosehips, juniper berries, wild pears, plums, damsons (a small purple-black fruit similar to the plum), raspberries, sour cherries, hawthorn, and sloe.

Qershi Plum Raki (Cherry Plum Brandy)

This is a traditional alcoholic drink that has been exclusively prepared by the Shala people living in the Shala Valley in Northern Albania. To make the drink, the locals first need to gather the small reddish-purple fruits of the cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) when ripened. The next step is to mash and allow it to ferment in wooden barrels for up to three weeks. The final step is to distill it into a big copper pot.

In Albania, just like other countries in the Balkans, the production of homemade raki or rakija, including cherry plum raki, has long been a family tradition. This distilled spirit is typically consumed daily and during various social and festive occasions. Cherry plum raki is produced only for personal consumption and is not available in stores.

BirreVerë (Beer) 

People in Albania also love to drink birre (beer). You can find a few beers that are produced in Albania. Those are Tirana, a blonde beer with a sweet taste, Elbar, and the best of all, Korça, produced in the city with the same name. Besides imported beers, these drinks can be easily found everywhere across the country.

Verë (Wine)

Whether you love to drink verë e bardhë (white ) or verë e kuqe (red wine), you won’t be disappointed. The best is the merlot and the cabernet, and some wines are produced from local rrush (grapes), such as the wines of Korça and Shkodra. In villages, it is common that families to produce their wine. Even though this wine has a bitter taste, authenticity lovers will be delighted.

Bozë 

Bozë has four ingredients: corn and wheat flour, sugar, and water. People from the Gorani people living in the mountainous Gora region situated between Albania, Serbia, and Macedonia have had a long-standing tradition of producing this type of millet beer. This beverage is made by fermenting millet (Panicum miliaceum, called prosok in the local language) with no added malt, an acidic flavor, and a light alcohol content.

Renowned for their fermented beverage production, the Gorani people have commonly been called the bozadzij, meaning people who prepare boza.

Dhallë 

This beverage can also be considered salty, liquid yogurt. It’s mainly consumed during the summer.

A Bit More About Raki And Albanian Drinks

As I already said, Raki is not Albanian specific, it is popular all over the Balkans, and people often make it at home.

A Drink For Men Made By Women

Many Albanian women produce brandy even though it is considered a “drink for men” in a traditionally patriarchal society. Traditionally, women were taught to make brandy by their mothers-in-law, and they pass that knowledge on to their daughters-in-law. Because of that, Raki that local families produce is most popular since they give the brandy an extra dimension. They are more careful and taste more delicate.

Raki As A Medicine

One saying goes like this: “It would be a shame for any family not to have raki to offer to a friend. ” Raki is also a popular remedy to relieve sore throats or muscle aches.

Many doctors say: “small doses of raki can relieve painful menstruation or stress. It also indicates its antioxidant and disinfectant properties, but warns that it is not a drug to treat Covid-19.”

Learn More Albanian With The Ling App

There are many more words and phrases you will pick up while visiting Albania, but Gëzuar, Raki, Birre, Verë are a few of the most important ones that will ensure you have a great time during your journey.

If you want to learn Albanian numbers, pronouns or simply want to know how to speak the Albanian language, using language learning apps such as the Ling app can help you with that. This app is a great option to learn more phrases in Albanian that will make your stay in Albania more pleasant. You will be able to communicate with the locals without a problem.

Want to start learning Albanian? Download the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store now!

Where Is Albania? Albanian Geographical Facts

Albania’s Borders

Where is Albania, really? Albania borders four countries. Montenegro and Kosovo in the north and northeast. The east is shared with North Macedonia, and the southeast with Greece.

Albania’s Mountains

The most notable physical feature of Albania is its mountains. In fact, the average altitude of the country is more than 700m above sea level.

There are many different mountain ranges in Albania. For example, in the north are the Albanian Alps, in the east are the Korab Mountains, and in the south are the Ceraunian Mountains.

The highest mountain is in the Korabs and stands at 2764 meters, making it the 18th biggest in Europe. As mentioned in our blog: sorry in Albanian The mountains of Albania have entered popular culture in a big way. When J.K Rowling was looking for a desolate place where Voldemort would flee after his defeat, the thing that came to mind was the wilderness of the Albanian mountain ranges.

Albania’s Rivers, Lakes, And Seas.

Albania has eight substantial rivers: The Drin, Vjosa, Fan, Ishem, Erzen, Mat, Seman, and Shkumbin.

The country also has two of the biggest lakes in Europe, the Lake of Shkoder and the Lake of Ohrid, in the southeast.

The Adriatic Sea surrounds Albania in the west and the Ionian Sea in the southwest. The latter has become known as the Albanian Riviera and plays host to 150km of unspoiled beaches.

Albania’s Biodiversity

Before you ask, “where is Albania?”, you should also learn how its biodiversity works. Albania is chock full of forests and woodlands. They provide a home for an extensive collection of rare and endangered species, including, the golden eagle, golden jackal, grey wolf, Balkan lynx, brown bear, and Egyptian vulture.

Albania has 15 national parks. The most famous are Butrint, Divjakë-Karavasta, Karaburun-Sazan, Llogara, Prespa, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Theth and Valbonë.

Unfortunately, illegal logging is a scourge on Albania’s biodiversity. It ranks 64th on the preservation-quality global index.  

Albania’s Climate

The good thing for those of you thinking of taking a trip to Albania is that it has four seasons. The temperature, however, is variable because of the varied landscapes of the country. The hottest areas are on the Mediterranean coast, and the coldest are in the northern mountains.

In the lowlands, the average winter temperature is about 7 °C, and in the summer, about 32 °C and with low humidity.

Albania’s Environmental Issues

As with other rapidly developing economies, air pollution is increasing, particularly in the capital Tirana. Another problem is water pollution, again in Tirana, where the city’s two rivers, The Lane and Ishem, are notoriously dirty.

In recent years more and more groups have taken up the cause of protecting Albania. There are hundreds of environmental NGOs, although some of them are hamstrung by the lack of funding.

Albania’s Foreign Relations

Since the fall of the communist party, Albania’s main international backer has been the U.S. Amongst the population, the support for the U.S. is around 95%. In recent years it has also become a supporter of the European Union.

Its biggest regional support in the Balkans is Turkey, something that historically caused tension with Greece. In 1991 Greek authorities accused Albania of mistreating its citizens in Southern Albania, and things became even worse in 1994 when Greek citizens were imprisoned for political activities in Albania. However, things did improve in 1996 when they signed a peace and friendship treaty.

Thankfully in modern times, the relationship between Greece and Albania has much improved thanks to a more pro-Albanian Greek prime minister. There are 250 members of the Greek military currently assisting Albanian forces. 

Albania joined Nato in 2009, largely thanks to Greek and Turkish backing and under the pretext that the alliance acts as a stabilizing force in the region that has been tense since world war ii. Turkey plays a significant role in training Albanian troops and providing military equipment, including radar and telecommunication equipment.

For a more in-depth look, check out the Embassy of Albania’s foreign relations page

In Summary

Wow, you’ve really become quite knowledgeable about Albania’s unique geographical features! Now we know Albania is a country located in Southern Europe(in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres).

You know what’s really cool about Albania? It’s not just its borders with other awesome countries but the mountains that make it stand out. There are so many fascinating places to visit! It’ll be really fun to do some research on the geography of the area beforehand. And I bet you were motivated to study Albanian before your trip, right?

So perhaps it is time to think about learning the language. No amount of knowledge of regional maps is a substitute for in-depth knowledge of the language.

Learn Albanian With Ling

Ling has done the hard work that many other language apps weren’t willing to do, and that’s compile courses on lesser-known languages such as Albanian. As a result, we have listening, reading, and even speaking practice with our patented chatbot.

We understand that learning a language is about a lot more than just a language app. But it is the single most important part of the process. You can see your progress in relation to other people, and, more importantly, how you performed compared to other days.

When you have that competition against others and yourself, you will find that you start seeking out more examples of the language and doing everything you can to improve.

We also have this Albanian blog, a handy accompaniment to lessons, which provides more of a socio-cultural guide on all things Albanian. We have everything from religion in Albania to a list of Albanian names and nicknames.

Come over to our website or download the app on the Play Store or App Store for a closer look. Also, please leave any questions you may have in the comments below.

Until the next time!

What is your name? 

(Si quheni?)

My name is Michael

( Unë quhem Michael…) 

The above would be a more formal introduction. If you were speaking with friends, you’d be more likely to say: 

Si te quajnë?

Mua më quajnë Michael

However, my advice would be not to worry too much about formal versus informal when you’re first learning to speak Albanian.

List Of Basic Words And Phrases In Albanian

• Where are you from? – Nga jeni?
• I’m from… – Unë jam nga…
• Goodbye – Mirupafashim
• Good luck – Paç fat!
• Yes – Po
• No – Jo

Shqipëri?

If like me, you didn’t know anything about Albania until you started studying it, Shqipëri is a strange word to look at, and it’s probably the most important Albanian word to know because it’s what the Albanians actually call their homeland. (Shqipëri comes from the word shqiptoj, meaning to speak clearly).

If you’ve browsed the extensive list of available languages at Ling, you will notice that Albania is not alone in this regard. Many countries are known by different names locally and internationally. The most famous is probably Germany (Deutschland). Germani was the name given to the land by the Romans when they were trying to conquer it.

There’s a name for this phenomenon. An endonym is what local people call their country; an exonym is what people outside that country call it.

More Basic Albanian Words

• Have a nice day! – Ditën e mirë!
• Do you understand? – A e kupton?
• Maybe – Ndoshta
• Sorry – Më fal
• Please – Ju lutem

Albanian Etiquette

Like other European languages, it is standard to say Ju lutem when asking for something in Albania. It means ‘I request’, but it has similar connotations to the English word ‘please.’

Although we use the word etiquette freely in English, it is a French word. The Albanians have something in common with the French, which is ‘la bise’ or kiss on the cheek. When you first meet someone in Albania, you might shake hands, but it is common to kiss them on each cheek when you become friends.

Tipping in restaurants is common, usually 10%, and is much appreciated by the staff. The average Albanian worker makes only around $450 a month.

It must have been confusing for Albanian music fans when Justin Bieber sang: What do you mean? When you nod your head yes. But you wanna say no. Contrary to most of the world, Albanians nod their head for no and shake their head for yes.

Albania, like Thailand, is a country where people remove their shoes before entering a house. Unlike Thailand, however, the temperature in Tirana can drop to zero, and those marble floors can feel particularly harsh on your bare feet. But don’t worry. Albanian households have a wide variety of cheap plastic slippers that protect your soles from the refrigerated floor.

More Essential Phrases In Albanian

• Excuse me! – Më fal!
• Can you speak a little slower, please? – Mundeni të flisni pak më ngadalë, ju lutem?
• How much is this? – Sa kushton kjo?
• Where’s the toilet? – Ku është banjoja?
• I love you. – Të dua.
• Leave me alone! – Lëmë rehat!

Ku Eshtë Banjoja?

It’s amazing how fussy we are about our bathrooms. When I tell my friends I’m traveling around Southeast Asia, the first thing they ask is not about the towers of Angkor Wat or the coves of Halong bay. Instead, invariably it’s ‘what were the toilets like?’

You’ll be glad to know that Albania conforms to many of the standards of Western Europe, albeit with some caveats. Given its proximity to Turkey, you do encounter some of the dreaded Turkish toilets, or what is known as squats. Fortunately, in what was an otherwise unfortunate time, the communist government of the last century was sensitive about seeming modern, so Western plumbing was top of the agenda. There’s even the addition of a bidet, although you must put toilet paper in a bin.

The showers are slightly different. First, Albanian homes don’t have much storage space, so water heaters are usually in the bathrooms, and they’re loud! Secondly, the showers sometimes don’t have doors, so you have to be very careful in what direction you’re pointing at the shower nozzle.

A Few More Useful Phrases In Albanian

• Get well soon – Shërim të shpejtë!
• Help! – Ndihmë!
• Congratulations – Urime
• Would you like to dance with me? – A doni të kërceni?
• What time is it? – Sa është ora?
• I’m lost – Unë jam i humbur
• Cheers – Gëzuar!

How Do You Toast In Albanian?

Gëzuar! When we make a toast in the West, it is often with a glass of beer or wine. The issue is slightly more complicated in Albania because it’s a majority Muslim-country. That being said, there are many Albanians who follow some aspects of Islam and disregard others.

If you’re interested in more ways to say cheers have a look at an article by another of our writers: 3 best ways to say cheers in Albanian

Learn Albanian With Ling

From my time spent traveling, I’ve come to realize that a few words go a long way.

The world is opening back up, and you can open up with it. Ling‘s team of teachers and engineers have mastered the Albanian language and designed a platform that will deliver it to you in bite-sized chunks. From basic Albanian; to instruction on the modern Albanian alphabet; to vocabulary for socializing with your Albanian friends, Ling has it all.

Don’t waste your day thinking about where to start learning Albanian. Download the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store and master the language with Ling today!

To guide you through this process, we brought you a fantastic blog post having all the epic facts and tidbits about the characteristics of Albanian people. So without further ado, let’s get right into it!

What Is The History Of Albanians

The history of Albania is ancient, showing multiple backgrounds and empires deeply rooted in this one state, distinguishing it from the outside world, with the Albanian coast playing a significant role. It started in almost the third century BCE when the Illyrians- Indo-European colonies, arrived in the south of this state.

Romans And Byzantines

The Romans and Byzantines invaded in the ninth century and ruled for nearly five centuries. At that time, most of Albania was established with a population of different backgrounds with cultural differences, while the Roman Catholic missionary was run in the entire state.

Expansion Of Ottoman Rule

The Ottoman Empire expanded to Albania in the nineteenth century. The communist period ended during this Ottoman rule, and after the communist regime, Islam was considered the primary religion.

At the time of world war II, many people were killed, families were slain in blood feuding, and they were all in a very tight corner. Young people who threw caution to the wind died in the massive slaughter. This country came into independence in 1912 between northern Greece and Italy.

What Are The Characteristics Of Albanian People

Albania is one of the classical and tradition-rich countries. It has been sharing its archaeological beauty with the world since the time of its kingdom. Inhabited by different civilizations and customs throughout the years, this country is known worldwide.

Like its beauty and elegance, Albania is also acclaimed for its natives. They are so generous and down to earth. If you visit Albania, you will surely love that place and its people, adding a remarkable and glorious memory to your life. The people share the same looks as Serbs, Croats, etc. Let’s look into some of the most common features of the people.

Albanian Families In Albanian Culture

Every family in this country is held together by Albanian parents who make sure to keep a check on the child’s performance from school to a teenager and also support their kids when they are adults. Many people adore every Albanian family because of this characteristic. They are very familial by nature, so the locals have a close-knit community lasting for generations.

Number Of The People

The current Albanian population comprises about 2 million people. This total population has a vast cultural network because there are some with varied backgrounds, like Egyptians, Greek, Romanian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, etc. Mostly the minority is Greek, and there are natives of different beliefs, ethnicity, and religions. Despite the differences, they are living like brothers under the skin, and life there is full of the joys of spring.

Religion Followed By Them

Albania is predominantly a secular state; everyone is free to follow the faith independently. There are two main religions in this country: Islam and Christianity. The Ottomans Empire and the old Albanian kingdom have caused the dominance of these two religions. 

One favorite thing of many Albanians is that they are known for is their pride and fidelity toward their belief. Even their legislation has many rules and regulations based on their religious beliefs. They respect their faith and follow it strictly, but they also do not look down on other religions. Other diverse religions are Judaism, Catholicism, Buddhism, etc. There is no hindrance when it comes to practicing your chosen faith if ever you stay in Albania.

Language Of Albanian People

Most of the population follows Albanian (Shqip) as its official language, but it is not in its pure form now. The two basic dialects followed there are Tosk- mainly spoken in the southern part, and Gheg- the northern dialect. They both are derived from the Greek and Latin languages.

Furthermore, the other mother tongue/languages spoken in Albania have mixed vocabulary from Turkish, Italian, and other Slavic languages. Although there are a lot of variations in wording, all the Albanians can still understand each other’s languages effortlessly.

Festivals Followed By Albanian People

Due to their diversity, Albanian culture blesses you with a vast range of cultures and festivals. Some traditions are bound to specific communities due to their religious beliefs. Generally, the festivals that every local enjoys are usually related to the country’s literature and art.

One of their most popular music festivals is the UNUM festival, which is celebrated yearly and is related to the unity between man, music, and nature. The nights are filled with traditional music at the beach sides to appreciate nature with a musical touch.

Korca Beer Festival is another popular event that is celebrated in August for four days. Thousands of Albanians join there with totally free beer parties. They also have the Kruja mount festival that same month, where people go to the mountain caves to celebrate the miracles that occurred there.

Other Holidays

In addition to all these features, they celebrate their cultural identity by taking note of these holidays:

• Independence day
• Baram day
• Eid holidays
• National Youth holiday
• Mother Teresa Day

Cultural Dress Of Albanian People

Albanians wear various traditional dresses for all their specific occasions and festivals. Still, most commonly, fustanella is a dress for men, and women wear xhubleta, a bell-shaped skirt with a tight belly and wide frock shape. They also have other unique dressings like Qeleshe – domed-shaped caps for men. Similarly, women wear kapica, which is decorated with beads and pendants.

Traditional Food Of Albanians

Albanians are known all around the world for their hospitality. Many of the tourists have shared their great experiences with Albanians, especially in terms of food preparation. The locals always serve mouthwatering dishes as much as possible to help the tourists understand their cuisine better.

Albania has extensive heterogeneity in the food category. If you ever try their food, it will leave you wanting more. Their food is famous for all flavors, such as sweet, sour, and bitter, and they will never disappoint you.

Famous Dishes

One of the famous foods in Albania is Byrek, a multiple-dough layered recipe, and its traditional ingredients made it worthy. Baklava is a favorite dessert originating from a Turkish recipe, but Albanians cook it traditionally, adding more taste and local Albanian flavors. Speca të Mbushura is also another famous summer food in Albania, and natives love this so much. It is cooked with multiple spicy ingredients and specific vegetables.

Eating Seafood

Albanians love seafood, and they have a collection of many such dishes. One of the best recipes is Tave Peshku- fish in the oven. It is a fried fish recipe you will find in almost every restaurant there, and there are other such fish recipes, too which are decent and worthy of attention. Albanians love their traditional curries, which are cooked using their homemade spices.

Desserts

In sweet-flavored food, Petulla and Shëndetli are the dominant desserts. They are specially cooked on special occasions and are one of the favorite dishes of Albanians.

Businesses That Albanians Love

Most Albanians earn through trade with foreign countries and other businesses. They are famous for supplying all sorts of wear, handmade artistic things, agricultural and other daily life goods. 

Albanians have a good name in the world of trade. They have many recognized organizations regarding business reforms, stock markets, and investment programs. They also have developed a good hold on their economy through work. 

The natives have agricultural occupations and other sorts of labor work as well. They have farms, and women are primarily involved in handmade crafts with their creative skills.

Politics Followed By Albanians

Albanians follow the parliamentary constitutional system of the state. They have a president at the forefront of the state, and similarly, the prime minister rules over the affairs of the state. They laid their constitutional basis in 1988, still running in Albania.

The executive and legislative powers of the state are involved in the formation and running of the country’s legal system. As there are multi-racial communities, the rules and regulations are created, keeping all of them a significant priority.

The supreme court is the highest court for public appeals and other circumstances, while the constitutional court is for private and higher legislation cases. This is an excellent headstart for preparing for any political conversation with the Albanian people.

Learn More Albanian With The Ling App

This article has highlighted many of the traits of most Albanians. Hope they have helped you out in acquiring knowledge about them. If you ever visit there, you will surely enjoy your adventure with all these familiar things.

If you are learning the Albanian language, then the Ling app can be the best option for you since this app offers lessons in around sixty-plus languages. Yes, you heard me right, 60+ languages in a truly unique way. 

On the Ling app, we understand how overwhelming it can be to learn a new language when most people keep reminding you that you can’t. Either people will tell you that learning a language is useless or too rigid. In either case, you should not listen to them at all. This is why we try to keep reminding you of why you started learning the language in the first place and how this can benefit you in many ways. 

So download the Ling app from Google Play Store or App Store and start learning the Albanian language like a pro!