Abstract
TRADITION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF THE ARABIC LANGUAGE AMONG THE ALBANIANS DURING THE OTTOMAN RULING AND THE CURRENT SITUATION
The aim purpose of this paper will be focused in describing the processes through which Arabic language learning and teaching has gone, across different time periods, governing systems, wars and schools-establishment phases between the Albanian society and their lands. This research is realized through the historical approach from the period of Albanians who were ruled by the Ottomans, compared to the nowadays situation. The study tells us what the status of the Arabic language was at the time of the Ottoman Empire, it was highly privileged.
This investigation also highlights the methodology of teaching Arabic and describes the effect which these methods had on pupils and students, and the material used during that time. It also tells us, that Islamic culture has played an important role in learning/teaching Arabic among the Albanians, their relations with Arabs, and the large prestigious status of the Holy Quran to them.
The great acceptance of Islam by the Albanians was an indication that they were keenly interested in learning Islamic Religion and Culture in general, and the Arabic language in particular. In further observations to date, we have found that the Arabic language in Albanian lands, is mainly taught in religious institutions, except the Department of Oriental Studies beside the Faculty of Philology at the University of Pristina in Kosovo.
From all this, it is concluded that the teaching of the Arabic language has gone through many critical stages. It seems like, at the period of Ottoman ruling, education in Arabic to Albanians was more advanced.
Keywords
Arabic Language learning/teaching, Albania/Albanians, Schools, Ottoman Empire, Oriental Studies.
