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Arvanites: The Bridge Between Ancient and Modern Greece

By Γιώργος Μίχας . The Arvanites and Arvanitogene Citizens of Greece: Unveiling a In the early 19th century, on the eve of the creation of the modern Greek state, the inhabitants of villages surrounding the ancient city-states of Greece, such as Thebes, Athens, Megara, Corinth, Argos, Sparta, Patras, and others, spoke Arvanitika as their mother tongue. However, the majority of the inhabitants of these ancient city-states were also urban-born, raising questions about the percentage of Arvanitophones at the beginning of the 19th century and after the establishment of the modern Greek state. To Calculate the Percentage of Arvanitophones To estimate the percentage of Arvanitophones, it is essential to consider the following factors: 1. The overwhelming majority of Muslims who were expelled or slaughtered during the 1821 Revolution were of Arvanit descent. 2. The Arvanites inhabitants of the regions of Methoni and Koroni left for Lower Italy after the Ottoman conquest of Moria. 3. The prese...

The Albanian Language: A Test Case for the Politics of Etymology

The pursuit of etymological knowledge is often perceived as an objective endeavor, driven by empirical evidence and rigorous methodology. However, as Dorian Lame astutely observed two years ago, ideological biases can insidiously influence etymological research, shaping our understanding of language histories and cultural exchange. This article delves into the complex case of the Albanian word "llaf" (word) and its connections to other languages, exposing the ideological underpinnings of etymological research. The Case of "Llaf" and Ottoman Turkish: A Paradigm of Etymological Misdirection A cursory examination of the etymology of "llaf" in Albanian might lead one to conclude, as the Albanian linguist Bufli suggests, that the word is borrowed from Ottoman Turkish. However, a more nuanced analysis reveals a striking contradiction. The presence of the same root in Welsh and Celtic languages, which have never been subject to Ottoman influence, unequivocally de...

The Etymological Odyssey of "Accipiter," "Aquila," and the Albanian Connection

Abstract This article delves into the etymological origins of the Latin terms "Aquila" and "Accipiter," exploring their connections to the Albanian language. Through a comprehensive analysis of linguistic roots and historical context, we uncover the profound relationships between these words and the Albanian language, shedding new light on the etymology of these terms. Introduction The eagle, a symbol of power and elevation, has been a ubiquitous motif throughout human history. In ancient Rome, the eagle became an emblem of the empire, representing the pinnacle of power and strength. The Latin term "Aquila," denoting the eagle, has been the subject of intense etymological investigation. This article will explore the connections between "Aquila," "Accipiter," and the Albanian language, uncovering the ancient roots that bind these words together. The Etymology of "Aquila " The Enigmatic Origins of "Aquila": A Linguisti...

Cham Albanian Dialect

The N-Code: Unlocking Albanian's Unique Preposition

The N-Code: A Linguistic Analysis Introduction The Albanian language possesses a unique preposition, "në," consisting solely of the voiced form "në" of the consonant "N". This article explores the significance of "N(ë)" in determining the status of the subject. Contextual Analysis 1. Subject Status: "N(ë)" indicates motion or action toward a specific destination. 2. Example: "Ai do të shkoj në Tiranë" (He will go to Tirana). The even clearer meaning comes from the Geg Albanian prepositon form where "N" is not combined with "ë", e.g.; "Ai po shkon n'Tiranë" (He is going to Tirana) 3. Interpretation: The subject's movement, facilitated by "N," signifies the direction of arrival. Linguistic Implications 1. Place: Specifies the location of action or movement. 2. Time: Denotes the moment of arrival. 3. Environment: Indicates the surrounding context. 4. Termination: Signifies where mo...

The Origins of Latin *asper: A Critical Examination

The Latin term *asper has long been debated among linguists, with traditional views linking it to Proto-Indo-European roots. However, a closer analysis reveals compelling evidence suggesting Albanian language origins. Traditional View Vladimir Orel (1998) and K. Topalli (2017) propose that "ashper" of Albanian comes from *asper of Latin, connecting it to: 1. Ancient Greek ἀσπίς (aspís, “shield”) 2. Hittite ḫasp- (“to cut”) Alternative Perspective Contrary to traditional views, evidence points to Albanian roots: 1. "a pres" (to cut) [rtc: apres> aspre>ashpre>ashper] 2. Or "a s'bër">a sper>a shper>ashper (unmake, undo), b>p. Etymological Reevaluation Linguists have also mistakenly linked "harsh" of English to "hair," overlooking semantic discrepancies. Harsh shares roots with *asper, exhibiting: 1. Rotation of words during usage 2. Drop of "p" during usage of the word. Semantic Analysis No logical connec...

Unveiling the Symbolism of Albanian Language Codes

The Albanian language possesses unique codes that reveal profound symbolism. Consider two examples: "molle" (apple) and "dardhe" (pear). Universal Truths Despite varying shapes and appearances from growth to decay, all apples share a common "O" shape. Plato would argue that this "O" shape represents the defining essence of an apple, distinguishing it from a pear. Philosophical Insights The apple embodies unity, symbolized by a single "O." Conversely, the pear represents duality, comprising two "O"s (Da-r-D'O-E). The attached "R" signifies the sun's circular motion, emphasizing the connection between "O" and "R" as pictograms. Plato's True Forms Plato would term these factors the "apple" of an apple, or its true form. The "O" shape remains constant, while physical apples change appearance during growth. This imperfection stems from their status as imitations of the t...