The Impact of English and German on the Albanian Language Usage among University Students

Abstract

This study examines the influence of English and German on the everyday use of Albanian among students at the University of Tetovo. The research focuses on the frequency and contexts in which students use English and German lexical items while communicating in Albanian, as well as their attitudes toward this linguistic influence. The participants were 35 students enrolled in the English Language and Literature and German Language and Literature programs. Data were collected through a 13-item questionnaire containing single-choice, multiple-response, and open-ended questions. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the closed-ended responses, while the open-ended responses were reviewed descriptively. The findings show that English has a substantially stronger influence than German. English was selected as the most frequently used foreign language by 65.7% of the respondents, and 82.9% reported using English words in Albanian at least occasionally. In contrast, 60.0% reported using German words rarely or never. Foreign lexical items were used primarily in communication with friends and on social networks. Students’ attitudes were mixed: some regarded foreign influence as a natural part of linguistic development, while others perceived it as a potential risk to standard Albanian. The findings highlight the growing role of English in informal and digital communication while demonstrating the continuing importance of linguistic awareness and standard Albanian in academic contexts.