THE IDEOLOGY AND VOCABULARY IN ALBANIAN LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS BEFORE 1990

(Study case: Albanian Language V)

Abstract

This paper addresses the contextual and ideological representation of vocabulary in Albanian language textbooks before 1990, the year that marked the fall of the communist regime and the transition to a democratic system in Albania. The communist ideology of that period influenced not only the political and social system but also the structure and content of education.

The focus of the paper is the analysis of ideologized vocabulary, which includes words that conveyed political and social norms and messages dictated by the communist system. This is demonstrated through a comparative examination of Albanian language textbooks before and after 1990, observing how the political system and social changes have impacted the vocabulary of the Albanian language in general, and as a core school subject in particular, as well as how the semantic structure of some words has evolved and changed.

The texts “Gjuhë shqipe V” (1973-1984) and “Gjuhë shqipe V” (2003 and 2022) have been selected as case studies, as they represent the educational level that separates Primary Education from Nine-Year Education. After their examination, several word groupings were analyzed: words that in the post-90s texts are used in a different context and meaning from those before the 90s; words that are used with the same meaning in both periods but are presented with politicized examples (in the first period); words that have fallen out of use alongside the reality and as a result are absent from the Albanian language textbooks after the 90s; and words that changed their meaning structure, either through the reduction or addition of meanings.

The study’s results show that the pre-90s textbooks were a powerful propaganda tool, where vocabulary not only conveyed linguistic knowledge but also simultaneously helped shape an ideological identity suitable for the communist doctrine. After 1990, the Albanian education system became de-ideologized, educational programs and textbooks were depoliticized, and were enriched with contemporary scientific and didactic knowledge. This spirit of the times significantly influenced the vocabulary of Albanian language textbooks, which Albanian children use in schools.

The paper, as a perspective on the relationship between language and ideology, contributes to studies on the history of education and its impact on society.