A Study of the Identity Construction of Standard Albanian from Certain Western Perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/pydgaz45Keywords:
Albanian, Gheg dialect, Tosk dialect, Identity.Abstract
In the context of nation-state construction and ideological change, language is the main material for identity construction. From the perspective of the differences between the Albanian dialects of Gheg and Tosk, this paper explores how the dialectal differences have changed from a language phenomenon to a social identity issue. From the perspective of structural linguistics and sociolinguistics, this paper discusses in detail the similarities and differences between the two dialects in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, as well as the process of selecting the standard language, and analyzes the deep reasons behind the language standardization. On this basis, it explains the behavior of the marginal Gheg dialect while Albania molded the Tosk dialect as a symbol of “progress” and “unity” in the socialist period from the perspective of language ideology theory and symbolic power. In addition, in the experience of different regions in Albania, it explains how language becomes the center of social division and its role in the real situation. Finally, it is concluded that behind the implementation of Albanian standard language is a dynamic identity problem, and language is the resource to create group identity.
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