The 43rd edition of the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture is currently being held in Pristina, an event that brings together scholars and enthusiasts of Albanian language and culture from around the world.

The seminar focuses on the preservation and promotion of Albanian cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage, as well as the teaching of the Albanian language at various levels, as reported by KosovaPress.

Some of the participants shared their experiences and reasons for choosing to study the Albanian language.

Jakub Drogowski from Poland said this is his third time attending the seminar.

“I really like the seminar this year; there are many interesting things. There are some changes with the Albanian language groups because now there is a test for everyone. Previously, for the third-level group, there was no test. This is not my first time at the seminar; it’s my third. I really love Pristina and Kosovo as a country, as a place for summer holidays, because Pristina is not very popular in tourism in Poland; it’s much less known than, for example, Albania, Croatia, or Montenegro,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gabriele Parrino, an Arbëresh from Italy, spoke about the international importance of the seminar.

“The seminar has, as you know, great importance not only for Kosovo but for the entire Albanian world. Participants come from all over the world, and the study of Albanology continues. The studies are conducted very scientifically, and the number of seminar participants is increasing. From what I understand, many young people will also get involved. The seminar always maintains a high scientific level. Although topics change every year, the level remains very high,” he said.

Many participants come to the seminar out of a desire to learn and understand the Albanian language. One of them is Piotr Liban, who emphasized that he will never forget this language.

“I study Albanian because when I was in Albania as a tourist, I wanted to learn it. It’s interesting, a different language, and then I heard there is a seminar on the Albanian language in Kosovo. I thought it would be great. The Albanian here is slightly different, it’s Gheg, so it’s a bit hard for me to understand and speak, but it’s interesting for me. I want to learn something interesting and challenging. I really like it here; this is my third time at the seminar in Pristina, and I really enjoy it. Pristina is very interesting, very nice, very beautiful. One more thing I want to add: in Poland, I don’t formally study Albanian at university; I only learn it for myself. In Poland, I don’t speak Albanian. Only here or in Albania, when I am there as a tourist, can I speak it, and that’s very good because I don’t forget this language; I like it and don’t want to forget it,” he said.

Marcelo, a Japanese participant from Brazil, also said he enjoys studying the Albanian language.

“I am learning Albanian because, for me, it’s a very interesting language. Two years ago, I managed to study Arbëresh, but it was too difficult. Now I am learning Gheg,” he said.

Another participant, Alena Rettová, said this is her first time attending the seminar.

“This is my first time at the seminar. I think it’s fantastic. I feel very happy and inspired. I love the seminar community, the Albanian language courses, and the teaching materials—they are exceptional. Everything is wonderful, so I am very glad I came. I’ve met many interesting people, so the contacts with the community and other participants have been very rich and inspiring.” The 43rd International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature, and Culture highlights the importance of these activities in promoting Albanian culture and language, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and build international connections.