Gheg, also known as Gegë, refers to one of two main dialects of the Albanian language, the other being Tosk. It is predominantly spoken in the northern and western regions of Albania, as well as in various areas of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia. Gheg is considered a distinct branch of the Albanian language due to its peculiar phonological and morphological characteristics that differentiate it from Tosk.
Phonetically, Gheg employs a more conservative pronunciation compared to Tosk, retaining certain archaic sounds and features. For instance, Gheg maintains the central vowel phoneme "ë" in various positions, while in Tosk, it predominantly merges with "a" or "e." Morphologically, Gheg exhibits a distinct system of noun declension, with unique case endings and declension patterns.
Lexically, Gheg preserves numerous archaic words and phrases that have evolved or disappeared in Tosk. Additionally, due to its geographical distribution, Gheg features certain dialectal variations across different areas, reflecting influences from neighboring languages and dialects.
Being historically significant, Gheg has played a crucial role in the development of Albanian literary tradition and cultural identity. It has been employed by renowned writers, poets, and intellectuals in their works throughout history. However, in recent decades, due to socio-political factors and the dominance of the standardized Albanian language, Gheg has experienced a decline in usage, particularly in urban areas.
In summary, Gheg refers to a distinct dialect of the Albanian language spoken predominantly in northern and western regions of Albania, as well as in parts of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia. It is characterized by its unique phonological, morphological, and lexical features and has contributed
