The Language of Kosovo

The just recently declared independence of theThe history of Kosovo's struggle to independence is
enclave of Kosovo has refocused attention on thequite complicated. As a province within Yugoslavia,
various territories of the former Yugoslavia andKosovo was first formed in 1945 as the Autonomous
Albania, and the various languages spoken in theKosovo-Metohian Area to protect Yugoslavia's
region.Albanian minority largely localize in the region.
At the heart of current events is Kosovo, though aThe history of Kosovo however dates back to
series of wars apart from the Kosovo war wereantiquity when according to Authur Evans, Kosovo
fought in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990's.was known as Dardania which is derived from the
Kosovo's days old declaration of independence isAlbanian word dardh?eaning pear; after the Illyrian
strongly rejected by Serbia and by its patron, Russia.tribe known as the Dardani.
Geographically, Kosovo borders Serbia to the north,The key differentiator between Albanians is their
Montenegro to the east, and Albania and the Republicadherence to Islam. This is connected historically to
of Macedonia to the south.the Ottoman conquest of Kosovo.
Kosovo has a population numbering two million. TheThe conquest was a significant achievement for the
population is primarily Albanians, though populations ofOttoman Turks as the minerals resources in the
Serbians, Turks, Romani , Goranis, Bosniaks, andKosovo region proved a needed asset to the
other ethnic communities also reside there. Priatina isOttoman empire. The establishment of Ottoman
the capital and largest city.hegemony in Kosova initiated a new era culturally and
With approximately more than 90% of the populationreligiously. The religious makeup of the region was
of Kosovo being ethnic Albanians, the Albaniancomplicated with the existing Catholic population in a
language is recognized as an official language alongdelicate if not unfavorable relationship with the new
with Serbian. Other languages including Turkish,Turkish regime.
Romani, and Bosnian are also spoken.The beleaguered status of the Catholic Church led to
In addition, to Albania and Kosovo, Albanian is alsoincreasing oppression of its members. Religiously
spoke in Italy, the Republic of Macedonia,selective taxation as well as threats to national
Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, and by immigrantassimilation by absorption into the Serbian Orthodox
communities in many countries throughout Europe, asChurch led to a mass conversion of Albanians into
well as in communities in Egypt, Russia, Ukraine,Islam further cementing the cultural, religious, and
United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.linguistic differences that continue today.