The Albanian National Language Competition officially launched today across 700 pre-university schools nationwide, engaging over 11,000 ninth-grade students in celebrating and preserving the Albanian language.
Minister of Education and Sport, Ogerta Manastirliu, attended the competition's launch at "E Kuqe" school in Tirana, emphasizing the initiative's significance for promoting and protecting the Albanian language. "The National Language Competition is now being implemented for the third consecutive year in nine-year schools, with 700 schools throughout Albania participating in this major national competition," Minister Manastirliu stated. "More than 11,000 students are expected to participate in this race to convey what we hold most precious – the Albanian language, our great wealth, our national identity that connects and unites us."
This year's theme, "Albanian Language and Civic Communication in the Digital Age," reflects the new challenges digital communication presents for preserving and developing our national language. "The Albanian language is not merely a means of communication; it is our greatest wealth," Minister Manastirliu emphasized. "Therefore, we must protect it, preserve it, speak it beautifully, and that's why we chose this year's theme."
The competition features diverse elements, including poetry recitals, quizzes, and innovative projects, designed to showcase students' knowledge of Albanian language. Minister Manastirliu explained, "We will have the opportunity to see not only well-prepared teams competing against each other through various elements of this competition – from poetry recitals to quizzes, to innovative projects – showing how much knowledge you've acquired for your education."
The competition follows a structured format:
1. Initial phase: Competition within ninth-grade classes in each school to identify students with exceptional linguistic talent
2. Regional level: Teams compete to select the top 20 teams
3. Semifinals: Broadcast live on RTSH
4. Grand finale: Announcement of winners who demonstrate deep knowledge of Albanian language
Minister Manastirliu concluded with an encouraging message: "I am convinced that the best will win, but what truly wins is the Albanian language. Through children's participation and engagement, our beautiful language will be elevated even further. Success to all students in this great national competition."
This marks the third edition of the National Language Competition for ninth-grade students nationwide, continuing its mission to promote and celebrate Albania's linguistic heritage.