Countering Subtractive Bilingualism with Additive Bilingualism in the Albanian Language

Abstract

The English language is the lingua franca of education, trade, and employment.  However, with such a global influence, the English language sometimes interferes with the native languages via subtractive bilingualism.  The aim of this essay is to explain the negative effects of subtractive bilingualism on a global scale in general, elaborate on its negative effects on the Albanian language in particular, and propose solutions to the problem.  To achieve such an aim, research related to the macroscopic model of determinants of additive and subtractive bilingualism (MMDASB) was consulted.  Based on the research findings, I conclude that the school milieu should lead by example in using additive bilingualism to counter subtractive bilingualism.  In doing so, the school milieu would counter subtractive bilingualism on the sociological, socio-psychological, and psychological levels as predicted in the MMDASB (Landry & Allard, 1993) model.  Following the conclusion, concrete proposals for promoting additive bilingualism by the higher education in the school milieu are recommended.