On the occasion of International Roma Language Day, concerns have resurfaced about the declining use and teaching of the Roma language in Albania. Despite national and international commitments to protect minority languages, local activists warn that institutional negligence is pushing this cultural heritage toward extinction.
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| In the middle is the Roma flag, on the left is the EU flag and on the right is the Albanian flag. |
“The Roma language has been forgotten. Institutions are not organizing properly. They used to say that, according to the government decision, there should be a Roma boy or girl teaching it. I am one of those girls, a graduate in language and literature, yet I find myself ignored,” said Kosturi.
According to her, schools that once offered Roma language courses have discontinued them.
“Until recently, the ‘Naim Frashëri’ school, where the Roma community is most present, offered the Roma language as a subject. Today, in four schools with Roma students, it is no longer taught. There was a time when Roma news was broadcast on public television—now even that has stopped.”
A Language Fading from Classrooms and Homes
The Roma language, once spoken widely within families, is now rarely used among younger generations, especially in southeastern regions of Albania. Activists and educators fear that the lack of institutional support, combined with social exclusion, is accelerating its disappearance.
Jurgen Troka, a member of the Roma community, shared his story:
“I learned the Roma language as a child at home. Our grandparents passed this treasure down to us. Sadly, it’s not being transmitted to children anymore. Many young people don’t speak it, and that’s a big problem today.”
Troka explained that fewer families speak Roma at home, resulting in younger generations growing up detached from their linguistic roots.
“Older generations still keep it alive, but the youth don’t show interest. They no longer embrace the traditions and values that make our community rich,” he added.
Voices from the Classroom
Among those still fluent in Roma is Flori Xhambazi, a student from Korça. Unlike many of his peers, he can both speak and write the language fluently—thanks to his family’s effort to preserve it.
“My father taught me. My mom and dad speak it every day, and that’s how I learned. I can write it too. My sister and I know it well, but our cousins don’t go to school and can’t speak or write it,” Flori explained.
His story reflects a growing educational gap within the Roma community. While some families prioritize cultural education, many children from Roma backgrounds drop out of school early due to poverty, discrimination, or lack of institutional support.
The Institutional Silence
Experts argue that the Roma language’s decline is not merely a cultural issue but a systemic failure of the state to implement minority rights. Albania’s legal framework, including the Law on the Protection of National Minorities, recognizes Roma as a national minority entitled to language education and media representation. However, these commitments often remain on paper only.
For years, Roma language programs existed in limited schools, supported by non-governmental organizations and community initiatives. Yet, without consistent state funding, training, and curriculum integration, these programs could not survive. The suspension of Roma-language news broadcasts on Albanian Public Television (RTSH) also symbolizes the shrinking visibility of the Roma identity in mainstream media.
“The lack of Roma-language content sends a message that our culture doesn’t matter,” said Kosturi. “It’s not just about language—it’s about dignity and recognition.”
A Call for Revival
Activists are now urging the Ministry of Education and other institutions to take immediate steps to revitalize Roma language teaching. They propose recruiting qualified Roma teachers, integrating the language into bilingual education programs, and funding cultural activities that celebrate Roma heritage.
They also stress the importance of media representation: bringing back Roma-language news, interviews, and cultural programs would help promote the language publicly and restore pride within the community.
“Teaching Roma in schools is not just about preserving words—it’s about preserving identity,” emphasized Kosturi. “Without our language, we risk losing a part of who we are.”
A Shared Responsibility
Preserving the Roma language is not only a challenge for the Roma community but a national responsibility. Language is a cornerstone of identity, history, and human rights. Albania, as part of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, has pledged to protect minority languages.
To honor that promise, institutions, educators, and society as a whole must recognize the Roma language as a living part of Albania’s multicultural fabric—not as a forgotten relic.
The story of Enxhi Kosturi and others who continue to speak, teach, and defend their mother tongue is a reminder that languages survive only when spoken, taught, and valued. Without urgent action, Albania risks losing not only a language but a vibrant piece of its cultural soul.