**Arbërisht (disambiguation)**
**Definition:**
Arbërisht primarily refers to the language spoken by the Arbëreshë people, an ethnic Albanian community in Italy. The term may also relate to various cultural, linguistic, and historical aspects associated with the Arbëreshë heritage.
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# Arbërisht (disambiguation)
The term **Arbërisht** is most commonly associated with the language of the Arbëreshë, an Albanian ethnic minority residing primarily in southern Italy. However, the word can refer to several related concepts, including dialects, cultural practices, and historical contexts linked to the Arbëreshë people. This disambiguation article aims to clarify the different uses and meanings of Arbërisht, providing a comprehensive overview of its linguistic, cultural, and historical significance.
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## Contents
1. Arbërisht as a Language
1.1. Definition and Classification
1.2. Geographic Distribution
1.3. Linguistic Features
1.4. Status and Preservation
2. Arbërisht in Cultural Context
2.1. Arbëreshë Identity
2.2. Traditions and Customs
2.3. Religious Practices
3. Historical Context of Arbërisht
3.1. Origins of the Arbëreshë People
3.2. Migration and Settlement in Italy
3.3. Historical Development of the Language
4. Other Uses of Arbërisht
4.1. Arbërisht in Literature and Media
4.2. Arbërisht in Academic Studies
5. Summary
6. References
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## 1. Arbërisht as a Language
### 1.1 Definition and Classification
Arbërisht, also known as Arbëresh or Arbëreshë Albanian, is a variety of the Albanian language spoken by the Arbëreshë communities in Italy. It is classified as a Tosk Albanian dialect, which is one of the two main dialect groups of the Albanian language, the other being Gheg. Arbërisht retains many archaic features that have disappeared from modern Albanian dialects spoken in Albania and Kosovo.
### 1.2 Geographic Distribution
The Arbërisht language is primarily spoken in several regions of southern Italy, including Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata, and Apulia. These areas are home to the Arbëreshë communities, descendants of Albanian refugees who fled the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans between the 15th and 18th centuries. Despite being geographically isolated from Albania, the Arbërisht language has survived for centuries within these communities.
### 1.3 Linguistic Features
Arbërisht exhibits several distinctive linguistic features that differentiate it from standard Albanian:
– **Phonology:** Arbërisht preserves certain archaic phonemes and consonant clusters that have evolved in modern Albanian dialects.
– **Vocabulary:** The language contains numerous loanwords from Italian, Greek, and Latin, reflecting the historical and cultural interactions of the Arbëreshë people.
– **Grammar:** Arbërisht maintains some older grammatical structures, including verb conjugations and noun declensions, which have been simplified or lost in contemporary Albanian.
– **Orthography:** Traditionally, Arbërisht was written using the Greek alphabet due to the Byzantine influence on the Arbëreshë, but today it is commonly transcribed using the Latin alphabet.
### 1.4 Status and Preservation
Arbërisht is considered an endangered language due to the declining number of native speakers and the influence of dominant languages such as Italian. Efforts to preserve and revitalize Arbërisht include cultural associations, educational programs, and media broadcasts in the language. The Italian government recognizes the Arbëreshë language and culture as part of the country’s linguistic minorities, providing some legal protection and support.
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## 2. Arbërisht in Cultural Context
### 2.1 Arbëreshë Identity
The Arbëreshë people maintain a distinct ethnic identity rooted in their Albanian heritage and the preservation of their language, customs, and religious traditions. Arbërisht serves as a key marker of this identity, linking the community to its historical origins and differentiating it from the surrounding Italian populations.
### 2.2 Traditions and Customs
Arbërisht is not only a means of communication but also a vessel for transmitting traditional songs, folklore, and oral histories. Arbëreshë festivals, weddings, and religious ceremonies often feature the use of Arbërisht, reinforcing communal bonds and cultural continuity.
### 2.3 Religious Practices
The Arbëreshë are predominantly adherents of the Italo-Albanian Byzantine Catholic Church, which follows the Eastern rite but is in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Arbërisht is used in liturgical contexts, including prayers, hymns, and religious instruction, preserving the language’s sacred and cultural significance.
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## 3. Historical Context of Arbërisht
### 3.1 Origins of the Arbëreshë People
The Arbëreshë are descendants of Albanian refugees who fled their homeland during the Ottoman Empire’s expansion in the Balkans. These migrations began in the 15th century and continued for several centuries, with the refugees settling in various parts of southern Italy.
### 3.2 Migration and Settlement in Italy
The Arbëreshë established numerous villages and communities in Italy, often in remote or mountainous areas. Their settlements were characterized by a strong sense of autonomy and cultural preservation, which allowed the Arbërisht language and traditions to survive despite external pressures.
### 3.3 Historical Development of the Language
Over time, Arbërisht evolved independently from the Albanian spoken in the Balkans. The language absorbed influences from Italian and other local languages, while retaining many archaic elements. Historical documents, religious texts, and oral traditions provide evidence of the language’s development and resilience.
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## 4. Other Uses of Arbërisht
### 4.1 Arbërisht in Literature and Media
Arbërisht has been used in various literary works, including poetry, prose, and religious texts. Contemporary efforts include the production of newspapers, radio programs, and digital content aimed at promoting the language and culture.
### 4.2 Arbërisht in Academic Studies
Linguists, anthropologists, and historians study Arbërisht to understand its unique features, its role in the preservation of Albanian culture, and its significance as a minority language in Italy. Research often focuses on language contact phenomena, dialectology, and sociolinguistics.
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## 5. Summary
Arbërisht is a term primarily denoting the language of the Arbëreshë people, an Albanian ethnic minority in Italy. Beyond its linguistic definition, Arbërisht encompasses cultural, religious, and historical dimensions that reflect the identity and heritage of the Arbëreshë community. The language’s preservation is vital to maintaining the unique traditions and history of this group, making Arbërisht a subject of interest in both cultural and academic contexts.
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## 6. References
*Note: This article is a disambiguation and overview; specific references are available in detailed articles on Arbërisht language, Arbëreshë people, and related topics.*
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**Meta Description:**
Arbërisht refers to the language of the Arbëreshë people in Italy and related cultural and historical aspects. This article clarifies the different meanings and contexts of Arbërisht.