Albanian Studies in Yugoslavia 1920–1989
The lecture deals with the various phases of the development and situation of Albanian Studies in the former Yugoslavia from 1920 to 1989. Albanian Studies among the South Slavs began in the frame of Austro-Hungary during the 19th century, therefore they might reflect both the horizons of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, as well as the orientations within respective national cultures. The study of Albanian at the Belgrade University started in 1923, in which also the scientific journal Arhiv za arbanašku starinu, jezik i etnologiju was launched. After 1945, Albanian was used in schools and publications, first of all within the Autonomous region of Kosova, and in the Republic of Macedonia. In 1967, the Institute for Albanian studies (founded 1953, closed 1955) was reestablished. The University of Prishtina was founded in 1970, and studies on Albanian have started at the University of Skopje as well. In 1974, the International Seminar on Albanian Language, Literature and Culture began, and in 1975 the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosova was institutionalized. The studies on Albanian language, culture and literature in Prishtina expanded significantly
during the 1980’s, integrating Prishtina under the big roof of Albanian and worldwide Albanian studies as one of the important centers.
Rexhep Ismajli is a retired professor of the University of Prishtina, he has lectured on General Linguistics and History of the Albanian Language. He was Chairman of the National Science Council of Kosovo (2008–2011). He is an honorary member of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has published extensively on Albanian Studies.