Linguistic Legacy: The Albanian Contribution to the English Lexicon

The Development of the Albanian Language Adjective "lën(ë)"

The Albanian language adjective "lën(ë)" originates from the verbal form "lë/lá". The phonetic evolution of the verb "lë/lâ" is characterized by two main directions: LO>LA>LE>LË and LO>LU (luj, luej, loj, loz, leviz). 

The Albanian language has retained these roots in almost all its dialects.

The third person singular or plural is used for word formations and new concepts in Albanian. This is evident in the evolution of the third person plural form: LON>LÁN>LAN>LEN>LËN. Meanwhile, the other direction evolves as LON>LUN.
Interestingly, the English words "leave", "lost", "allow", "play", "let" and "loose" share a common origin with the Albanian verb "lë/lâ". This is because the meanings of these English words are all encompassed within the semantics of the Albanian verb "lë" (lâ in Geg).
The verb "lë" (lã in Geg) in Albanian exhibits a rich complexity, with numerous meanings and uses. Here is a brief breakdown:
Essential Meanings of "lë/lâ":
1. To leave something or someone (leave).
2. To let go (allow).
Transitive and Figurative Meanings of "lë/lâ":

1. To lose (e.g., money, a game) (lost).
2. To allow or give someone a chance (allow).
3. To release (a place or land) (loose).

Notably, the Albanian verb "luaj" (luj, and luej in Geg Albanian) has contributed to the development of the English word "play". The evolution of "play" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "bhe'lo-j", which transformed into "phloj", then "ploy", and finally "play", where "o" shifted to "a".

There is also in the Albanian language "le të" (let) is a phrase meaning "let" and is derived also from the root "lë/lâ". 

In the Albanian language, "le të" translates to "let" and is considered a jussive particle, meaning it expresses permission or a request to do something; "le" itself is the root word meaning "let".

The above analysis refutes the etymologies of Albanian borrowings, such as the claim that "loj" comes from Serbo-Croatian *loj. Instead, it demonstrates that these words have original Albanian roots. Furthermore, this research challenges the etymologies of these English words from Proto-English or Proto-Germanic, proposing an Albanian origin instead.

Albanian dictionary:

lë (lâ Geg Albanian). Participle "lënë"

(active voice, transitive) to leave, to leave behind

(active voice, transitive) to let be

(active voice, transitive) to decide, put; release 

Synonyms: vendos, vë, lëshoj

(active voice, transitive, figurative) to lose (e.g. money, a game); to have something removed (from one's body) 

Synonym: humb

(active voice, transitive) to set/put aside; to pass on/save (something) for later (or for someone else) 

Synonyms: ruaj, jap

(active voice, transitive, figurative) to entrust, intrust; assign; give (someone a task, job, order, advice); to blame someone 

Synonyms: besoj, ngarkoj, jap, fajtoj

(active voice, transitive, figurative) to make or cause something; to mark (impression) 

Synonyms: bëj, shkaktoj

(active voice, transitive, figurative) to allow, don't hinder; to give/create someone an opportunity; to vacate (a place or land) 

Synonyms: jap, lejoj, liroj, dyshoj, krijoj

(active voice, transitive, colloquial) to keep (it as it is) 

Antonyms: heq, përfshij

(active voice, transitive, colloquial) to postpone, delay (learning, study, work, meeting, appointment, task, decision, etc.) 

Synonym: shtyj

(active voice, transitive) to finish, quit (school, study, job, meeting, game; friendship, realtionship - or quit smoking, alcohol etc.) 

Synonyms: braktis, largohem, kryej

(active voice, transitive, colloquial) to leave someone; to separate from/break up with someone 

Synonym: ndahem

(active voice, transitive, figurative, 3rd pers.)

→ + short pronoun më (“me”):

(it/they) take(s) over (one's physical or mental ability/strength/function)

(active voice, transitive) to don't change/touch/disturb something/someone (leave in its previous state/condition)

(active voice, transitive, figurative)

→ often with + pa (“without”): I harm, annoy, destroy, leave in misery (someone) (by taking something away or not giving; sleeptime, food, clothes, money, etc.)

(active voice, (verb), →, jussive, (particle)) let 

Synonym: le