The integration of loanwords into Albanian: A study of users’ spelling preferences
The integration of loanwords into Albanian: A study of users’ spelling preferences

Summary/Abstract: Contemporary Albanian is increasingly introducing foreign loanwords, mainly Anglicisms, which enter the language as concepts or terms used in various discourse contexts. Speakers often lack interest in the scientific criteria that should govern the use of loanwords, instead opting for their phonetic or orthographic form as they encounter or perceive them. The orthographic rules of the Albanian language have not adequately addressed issues related to the phonetic principles necessary for the correct spelling of foreign words. The aim of this paper is to identify and analyse a selection of foreign words that have been integrated into the Albanian language that deviate from the language’s phonetic spelling principles for the correct pronunciation and orthographic representation of these words. The structural differences between foreign and Albanian words illicit different responses from speakers and users, who seek rules or principles for their correct pronunciation and writing. Using quantitative data collected through a questionnaire administered to two distinct groups of participants, this study looks into the speakers’ attitude, or better language choices, regarding the spelling of loanwords. The findings indicate that that the phonetic principle of Albanian orthography is not dominant; instead, users often prefer to write foreign words according to their original spelling rather than their phonetic pronunciation.

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