Hegemony / Hegemonic

To my understanding hegemony is the dominance of one group over other groups. But when it comes to languages we still have a group of experts or linguistics which are influential and dominant and decides what is proper language.

In this essay I will explain the Albanian language norms since I know it best; rather than choosing a language that I do not have enough information.
Standard Albanian or proper Albanian language is something that is was decided in a Congress on Albanian Orthography in 1972. This congress was held in Tirana with all representatives from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro participation. Also Arbëreshët which are an Albanian speaking community living in Southern Italy were present. From this congress resolution was approved and it was declared that Albanian speakers now have one official and unified Albanian language, called as a standard language.

Forming proper Albanian language which would be suitable for all Albanian speakers was a long process. The process started 16th – 17th century and ended 19th century.
Since 1972 Albanian language changed a lot. I believe is richer and more modern. I think of a language as a creature that changes and moves. Is changing slowly but they become visible due to changes in social and political processes. Here I am talking about globalization where western European and American influence is very strong.

We started using new words which we created or borrowed form other languages. Thus, we enriched our Albanian language as well as made it more diverse.

Here are some words that we use currently:
Albanian - English:

Fraxhil - Fragile
Frustrim - Frustration
Gjeneralizoj - Generalize
Impresion - Impression
Intervenim - Intervention
Investigoj - Investigate
Kredibilitet - Credibility

I think we need a Congress in order to bring new resolution which might include all dialects. This might help all Albanians can write in a same way, and that is the only way would make communication easier.

The only to understand each-other is definitely if we at least write properly. Every day speaking like with the family members, friends, colleagues would be ok speaking not proper. But in schools, media or public speaking I would prefer speaking properly. Properly speaking is the only way where all Albanians would comprehend.

My relationship with English

My relationship with English language started long ago. It started in fifth grade in primary school when I was only 11 years old.

The feeling right from the beginning was good but it was because of my teacher that introduced me to English, she was a very nice woman, and had a wide influence on me to like English language. My teacher had an impact because she was using wonderful techniques in teaching. She was different form other teachers. We applied role plays, simulations, discussions, games, interaction, collective exercises, group work etc.

However, the English language in the primary school it was not something that you could choose it was in a curriculum and we had to learn it. So I might be able to call it as an imposed relationship. It was imposed politely not forcefully. Since I am talking about language as my partner than I have to admit that I could not choose I just had to agree to what it was presented. And for this government is to blame or praise as the decision makers over our educational curricula.

The relationship was never steady, always English was privileged. Especially when I moved to London this relationship took completely different direction. English language became dominant in our relationship. English language was ruling and still is. English is ruling because majority of the worldwide population speaks or at least understand the English language whereas mine not many people understand.

When I came back in Kosovo I found out that even here is very different. English language is basically a second language. Honestly speaking I do not feel very ok with my partner in this case English language as my partner being always and everywhere privileged. And I am always left behind.