Being Bilingual, a Worthy Addition to Our Albanian Culture

For whoever lives in the United States, speaking English is fundamental to obtaining the best opportunities. A bilingual person has double the value. Being bilingual is not simply about speaking two languages; it also entails the valuable capacity to read and write those languages as well.

Unfortunately, when Albanian children leave their native country, they prefer to speak only English with friends and family and frequently leave Albanian culture behind as well. This was the case with Etleva Sinani’s oldest son; without realizing it, he was speaking less and less Albanian, until he forgot the language completely. Now Etleva is trying to prevent the same thing from happening to her other son, Tony. For her the challenge is greater because the children’s father, Philip, is an American and speaks only English.

Etleva adds that many children, even though their parents speak Albanian, master English when it is the primary language they speak in the home. Instead of demanding Tony to speak Albanian exclusively, Etleva uses other tactics: “People learn that way but it is unnecessary. It’s not natural.” Etleva points out that it is better to look for what excites a child, in order to expose them to language and culture. For example, when they ride in a car, Etleva introduces Albanian language CDs and music which include children’s songs. Tony is captivated with these CDs and now asks to listen to artists like Aferdita Zonja, Bashkim Alibali and the Libohova Sisters.

Mirjam Laçi, a former Albanian Language schoolteacher, has used a similar method, so that her children Igli, (14 years old) and Bora (12 years old) can enjoy Albanian. Mirjami doesn’t force them to speak a particular language, but when she notes that they forget some words and mix the two languages, she immediately intervenes. “I correct them so that they use the correct lexicon and phonetics—the system or pattern of speech sounds used in a particular language,” explains Mirjam.

Mirjam recognizes that, when asked by their children, adults sometimes do not know the correct pronunciation of the words either. “Parents should try to find out and not guess,” Mirjami advises, “if you don’t know the words - don’t invent them.” Investigate what the correct answer to the question is, so that you don’t give an incorrect answer to your children.” This Albanian mother also takes advantage of her time in the car with her kids, listening to children’s songs. “I put on CDs and we go off singing,” says Mirjam smiling, “I make it fun.”

As a teacher, Mirjam has seen the capacity that children have to learn something new. She utilizes the books she used to use, not only to teach the basic subject to her children, but to enrich their vocabulary as well. Mirjami says that she reads aloud to Igli and Bora, a half hour every day with books she buys on the Internet or accepts as gifts from her relatives from Albania. Mirjam alternates the languages when she reads to her children - reading one day in Albanian and the next day in English, so that they practice the languages together. “Of course there are days when I’m tired, but I try to be consistent about reading books,” she explains.

Rabie Çukaj, mother of Tale, Vera and Agim, agrees that lectures are essential for improving and preserving a language. “We have books in Albanian, but books from Albania, apart from learning Albanian, are also a great source for learning Albanian literature,” says Rabie.

In her Dallas (Texas) home, Rabie and her husband Fadil Çukaj, always speak Albanian to their children and talk to them about Albanian traditions, so that their children will be not only bilingual, but will also be educated about their cultural background. Rabie utilizes her everyday education to illustrate her culture. She has always tried to raise Tale, Vera and Agim with pride for their background, so they don’t feel a need to conceal their culture - be it a plate of food or a tradition. “Even though their friends will be Americans, I want them to know what their traditional costumes are.”

Since they began school, the kids have been in a program of bilingual education so that they learn to read and write English and Albanian. Rabie believes that this type of instruction offers a wonderful opportunity for her children to continue to be truly bilingual as well as bicultural. It is always a good idea to expose our children to the Albanian language from infancy, utilizing toys, songs, videos, books, music and other related activities. It is best to be consistent in the manner in which we direct our children.