At the start of the year, Harvard University expanded its range of foreign language offerings to include the Albanian language, following a request from Albanian-American students and with support from the university\u2019s Albanian-American staff.<\/p>\n
This marks the second semester in which Harvard has introduced Albanian language courses.<\/p>\n
Voice of America correspondent Burim Goxhuli visited the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Harvard University is located, to provide a deeper insight into this program.<\/p>\n
The Albanian language, an elective course in Harvard\u2019s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, is now offered at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, catering to students with varying language proficiencies.<\/p>\n
Lecturer Faton Limani explains that students opting to study Albanian not only grasp the language\u2019s foundational elements but also delve into speaking, writing, reading, culture, and history.<\/p>\n
He adds, \u201cEach semester, students prepare presentations on specific topics such as the history of the Albanian language alphabet, Albanian history, folklore, music, and other cultural aspects\u201d.<\/p>\n
Last summer, Albanian-American student Edona \u00c7osovi\u00e7 spearheaded the initiative to incorporate the Albanian language into Harvard\u2019s academic program.<\/p>\n
Edona, a Political Science major born to Albanian parents from Montenegro in the United States, shared her motivation for advocating the Albanian language course at Harvard in an interview with Voice of America.<\/p>\n
She expressed her desire to explore her heritage and ensure that her future children can speak Albanian and appreciate Albanian culture. Edona\u2019s vision extends to deepening her knowledge of Albania and Kosovo, given her Albanian roots in Montenegro.<\/p>\n
Kevin Dervishi, an Albanian-American student hailing from Tirana, also enrolled in Albanian language classes. He aims to enhance his Albanian language skills and surprise his family once he has achieved a higher level of proficiency.<\/p>\n
Kevin is concurrently pursuing a doctoral program in cancer biology at Harvard and attests to significant improvement in his expressive capabilities after opting for Albanian language studies.<\/p>\n
Edona \u00c7osovi\u00e7 emphasizes that maintaining the Albanian language is the best approach to preserving familial connections and fostering cultural ties.<\/p>\n
The Albanian-American Student Association at Harvard, where Edona holds a leadership position, currently counts 12 Albanian-American students.<\/p>\n
This network offers vital information and support to young Albanian students interested in studying at Harvard.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile Limani, an advocate for the Albanian language at Harvard, envisions a brighter future, anticipating increased interest in Albanian language studies and the establishment of an Albanian Studies Center at Harvard University.<\/p>\n
Harvard University distinguishes itself as the sole prestigious American institution offering Albanian language courses, making strides in bridging the cultural gap for Albanian students in the United States.<\/p>\n
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