The Promotion of Multilingualism in Albania: The Role of Italian Language at School and in the Work-Place

Abstract

Languages have a very significant role in society, in economy, in the working place and in the political relationships among different countries. Multilingualism is a key element nowadays that not only facilitates communication but helps to move between cultures. This article aims to present the situation of multilingualism in Albania with reference to the promotion of language skills in school and their role on employability in the labor market by focusing on the Italian language as one of the best known and most popular languages among European ones that are spoken in Albania.Reforms in the curricula of the education system in Albania are conceptualized according to the education strategies of the Council of Europe and of the EU – where Albania aims to become a member state- and focuses on the promotion of multilingualism and multiculturalist education among the new generation. It is in such context that the teaching and learning of community languages became part of the curricula starting from the very first classes in the elementary school and adding to two the number of languages that are taught in this phase of education in addition to the mother tongue. In the course of secondary education there is assigned an important role to foreign language which are part of the curricula and of the maturity exam; meanwhile their importance is clearly confirmed during university studies and graduate studies. The practice in job recruitment provides evidence that the knowledge of languages increases considerably the possibilities and chances of success for those aspiring to find work in both public and private sectors. Knowledge of a foreign language (preferably English) is now one of the key requirements for participation in all competitions and job applications. In addition, the knowledge of multiple languages is a credit to those who participate in these contests. Even in the private sector the knowledge of languages has become a necessity both in the context of communication and trade with foreign companies and suppliers, and in the area of the work carried out on behalf of foreign companies that conduct their business in Albania. In conclusion, there will be shown that the Italian language occupies an important place in the system of education and training, as well as having a central role in the labor market, especially in the private sector, while taking into account the considerable number of Italian companies present on the territory of Albania and the intensity of trade and cultural exchanges between these two countries, Albania and Italy. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n9p130