Steinmetz’s Dictionary and its Structure -The linguistic area of the lexicon

Hoxha Ilda
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Hoxha Ilda: University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”, Albania

Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 11, issue 3, 51-58

Abstract: Karl Steinmetz’s German–Albanian dictionary can be considered a dialectal-regional glossary, as it reflects the spoken language of Northern Albania, especially around Shkodër. Though limited in scope, with around 980 entries, the dictionary captures everyday vocabulary, cultural expressions, and lexical forms used in early 20th-century Albanian society. It aligns with broader trends in Albanian lexicography, such as the earlier Fjaluer i Rii i Shchypes (1908), which had a similar dialectal focus. Despite its size, Steinmetz’s work retains lasting value as a linguistic and ethnographic document. It not only served foreign learners of Albanian but also preserved dialectal features and vocabulary otherwise at risk of fading. Echoing Jani Thomai’s views on pre-World War II bilingual dictionaries, Steinmetz’s glossary contributes to the documentation of regional speech and cultural identity. It is a significant resource for further research in dialectology, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.

Keywords: historical lexicography; Albanian dialectology; Northern Albanian; Turkisms; Gheg dialect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vrs:ajbals:v:11:y:2025:i:3:p:51-58:n:1005

DOI: 10.2478/ajbals-2025-0027

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