Albanian grammar

The aim of this Albanian Grammar is to present a complete picture of the language in its three most important variants: Geg, Tosk, and Arbëresh. Viewed methodologically, the contrasts among the three are presented here not only in the lexicon, but in all elements of the grammar, in order that an insight into the basic structure of the language (here also termed Common Albanian) may be obtained. The formation of the standardized literary language has, of course, also been based upon this procedure. The material, form and divisions of this Albanian Grammar are naturally geared to the practical requirements of University students and specialists interested in the language. At the same time, this book is also intended for young people of Albanian ancestry in the United States, Australia and elsewhere who have perhaps learned Geg or Tosk at home and who wish to master the contemporary literary language; this applies, as well, to the Italo-Albanians (Arbëresh) of Southern Italy who, for the first time in any Albanian grammar, will be able to compare the particular characteristics of their dialect with those of Common Albanian.