The Twentieth Century Politics of Neologisms and Toponyms in the Albanian Language

Abstract

This study analyses the political reasons behind the introduction of neologisms and new toponyms by the two most powerful Albanian rulers during the twentieth centuries, Ahmet Zogu and Enver Hoxha. The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach which combines linguistic, political and historical analysis, with selected reference to anthropological and folkloristic research. The analysis is based on a thorough review of scientific literature and official documents and periodic publications related to new toponyms and new words in the twentieth century. Zogu imposed his will for the use of new words and toponyms in all official correspondence and publications. By the end of his rule, he requested the change of more than 50% of toponyms. Hoxha followed suit after Zogu, however, most of the neologisms introduced by them with a top-down approach did not survive their rule. The toponyms introduced by Zogu were rescinded after he fled Albania, whereas the toponyms introduced by Enver Hoxha are still officially in use, but common people use most of the old toponyms in their daily parlance. Language is almost like a living thing, that grows and changes organically by the interactions of millions of cells – the people that speak and write it.