Language and ideology in the context of language policy of Albanian language

Abstract

This paper discusses the significantly tight relations which exist between ideology and language. It emphasizes that language and ideology are intertwined since ideology provides the framework within which a linguistic message is constructed and expressed. The influence of ideology is noted in language policy and language planning efforts since it enables actions taken by a certain social group to standardize a particular language. Another realm in which the influence of ideology becomes noticeable is the realm of discourse. Ideology is at best expressed through discourse structures. This type of ideological influence can be noticed in the case of Albanian language standardization process in which ideology served two functions: supporting the language policy and helping to build discourse rhetoric with which language policy was elaborated and promoted to the public within former Socialist Albania.