Albanian language and culture are rich and vibrant, holding centuries of history and tradition. Real Albanian, a platform dedicated to promoting and preserving the Albanian language, was born out of a simple idea that sparked a wave of passion and collaboration. 

Throughout my three years of teaching, a recurring concern voiced by my students was the lack of practice materials and accessible websites for learning Albanian. This gap inspired me to embark on the journey of creating Real Albanian, a platform dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and a vibrant community for individuals seeking to learn and engage with the Albanian language. In this blog post, we will delve into the inception of Real Albanian, the invaluable contributions of Albana, the talented content writer, the exceptional voiceover work by Erisa and Frenkli and the extraordinary talent for website design of Jessica. Join us on this journey of celebrating the beauty of Albanian language and culture.

The Beginning: A Serendipitous Idea

Real Albanian’s story begins back in January in a cosy coffee shop, because this is the Real Albanian way, in a coffee shop. It was during a casual meeting with a friend that the seed for this platform was planted. While I had entertained thoughts of creating such a platform in the past, it was my friend’s enthusiasm that reignited my own passion for the project. “You should definitely do it,” he urged, and in that moment, I knew it was time to turn my vision into reality.

The journey was not without its challenges. As the idea took shape, I recognized the need for exceptional content to engage and captivate our audience. That’s when Albana, a talented content writer, came into the picture.

Albana: The Creative Force Behind Real Albanian

Albana, with her profound love for the Albanian language, joined the team as our dedicated content writer. Her passion was infectious, and she poured her heart and soul into every piece she crafted. In all the materials, Albana’s words breathed life into the platform, connecting with Albanians around the world and fostering a sense of community.

As Albana tirelessly worked on creating engaging materials, I assumed the role of an editor. Together, we refined and polished each piece, ensuring that the essence of the Albanian language and culture shone through. The collaborative process was a joyous one, as we witnessed the content evolve and resonate with our audience.

Erisa and Frenkli: The Voice of Real Albanian

To truly bring the Albanian language to life, we recognized the importance of a captivating voiceover. Enter Erisa and Frenkli, two talented individuals blessed with exceptional voices. Their voices effortlessly captured the nuances and beauty of the Albanian language, infusing each recording with a unique charm.

Erisa and Frenkli’s dedication was unparalleled as they diligently recorded everything from pronunciation guides to captivating storytelling pieces. Their brilliant work added depth and authenticity to the platform, making the experience of learning and exploring Albanian language and culture an immersive one.

In addition to her remarkable voiceover work for Real Albanian, Erisa is also a highly skilled singer and vocal coach. Her passion for music extends beyond the platform, as she shares her expertise and offers vocal coaching and flute lessons through her platform called tralala.al. 

Jessica: Empowering Real Albanian Through IT Expertise

No journey towards building a successful platform is complete without the integral role played by technology. In the case of Real Albanian, the driving force behind our IT development was none other than Jessica, my talented German friend with a deep understanding of both IT systems and the Albanian language.

It wasn’t until Wednesday, 3 days before the launch party when Jessica stepped in to save the day and the project as the previous web-developer simply dropped out as he was incapable of doing such a sophisticated website, despite having been contracted as early as March. 

With the clock ticking relentlessly, Jessica fearlessly took on the challenge. Her unwavering determination and technical prowess allowed her to swiftly delete everything the previous web developer made as it was non-functional and start from scratch. Working tirelessly day and night, she poured her expertise into the project, knowing that time was of the essence.

Her exceptional skills in website design and development were put to the test as she meticulously crafted the intricate features and functionalities required for Real Albanian. With unwavering focus and unmatched dedication, Jessica worked tirelessly to ensure that the platform would be ready for its highly anticipated launch party.

Under Jessica’s guidance, we implemented robust security measures to protect user data and maintain a safe online environment. Her deep understanding of IT infrastructure Digital Security helped us create a platform that users could trust, allowing them to freely engage with the content without any concerns.

Thanks to Jessica’s last-minute heroics, Real Albanian emerged as a stunning, user-friendly website that surpassed all expectations. Her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure solidified her place as an indispensable member of the team, and her contributions will forever be celebrated as an integral part of Real Albanian’s success.

Real Albanian owes a debt of gratitude to Jessica for her unwavering dedication and technical expertise.

A Joyful Celebration: The Website Launch Event and Three-Year Anniversary

On June 17, a remarkable event unfolded as we celebrated the long-awaited website launch of Real Albanian. This memorable occasion held special significance, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of my very first Albanian lesson. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and merriment as the Tralala.al band took the stage, filling the air with enchanting melodies. The night was made even more unforgettable with an abundance of traditional Albanian foods and beverages. It was a night to remember, made possible by 

the collective efforts of Miguel and Marleana, whose invaluable assistance ensured the success of the event held at MusicBooks.

The Future of Real Albanian:

Looking ahead, the future of Real Albanian is filled with exciting prospects and an unwavering commitment to empowering language learners. As we continue to grow, our dedication to personalized learning experiences remains at the forefront.

Expanded Materials

By the 1st of September, users can look forward to accessing a rich library of at least 80 materials, ranging from vocabulary exercises to cultural insights. This extensive collection will provide learners with a wealth of resources to enhance their language skills and deepen their understanding of Albanian culture.

Grammar Courses

Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce that Real Albanian will soon be introducing courses with a special emphasis on grammar. These comprehensive courses will provide structured lessons, allowing learners to grasp the intricacies of Albanian grammar and build a solid foundation for their language proficiency.

Podcasts

In addition, we are excited to launch podcasts that will offer engaging and immersive listening experiences. These podcasts will cover a wide range of topics, from current events to everyday conversations, providing learners with an opportunity to practice their listening skills and further immerse themselves in the beauty of the Albanian language.

One-on-One Lessons

Moreover, Real Albanian will continue to offer one-on-one lessons, tailored to the specific needs and goals of individual learners. I, Arsen, your language teacher will be here for you every step of the way, providing guidance, support, and personalized feedback to ensure a rewarding learning journey.

As we embark on this next chapter, we remain committed to evolving and adapting to meet the needs of our growing community. Real Albanian will continue to be a platform that not only teaches the Albanian language but also fosters a sense of connection, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning.

Join us as we build a future where learning Albanian is accessible, engaging, and rewarding for language enthusiasts around the world. The journey has only just begun, and we invite you to be a part of it.