August 6th marks the 118th anniversary of the birth of Prof. Eqrem Çabej, a highly influential figure recognized as a leading linguist, Albanianologist, and the founder of modern Albanian studies. Born in Gjirokastër on August 6, 1908, Çabej began his formal education in the city.
His academic pursuits led him to Klagenfurt, Austria, and subsequently to higher studies in Indo-European comparative linguistics and Albanianology at the University of Graz and the University of Vienna, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1933. Throughout his career, Çabej dedicated himself to teaching the Albanian language and literature at high schools across major cities, including Shkodër, Elbasan, and Tirana. A significant phase of his work began in 1940 when he was relocated to Rome.
During this period, he focused on compiling the Albanian Dictionary, working specifically with the Arbëreshë community in Italy. Çabej’s scholarly contributions established foundational texts and methodologies that significantly advanced the understanding and study of the Albanian language. His extensive work provided crucial academic resources that continue to support Albanian cultural and linguistic scholarship today.
The commemoration of this anniversary honors his lasting impact on Albanian academia.
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