OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities launches first-ever digitalized Macedonian-Albanian/Albanian-Macedonian phrasebook

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Lamberto Zannier launched the first-ever digitalized Macedonian-Albanian/Albanian-Macedonian phrasebook today. The High Commissioner presented the phrasebook at a virtual launch event.

The HCNM and Nansen Dialogue Centre, Skopje (NDC Skopje) developed this innovative digital tool over the past 12 months. The phrasebook is part of the HCNM’s support towards policies aimed at overcoming language barriers and providing individuals in diverse societies, such as the one in North Macedonia, with the necessary tools to communicate with each other. This digital tool builds upon the earlier HCNM and NDC Skopje initiative to develop the first-ever illustrated children’s Macedonian-Albanian/Albanian-Macedonian dictionary for primary schools.

Zannier said that learning languages opens doors to opportunities in our increasingly interconnected world. He explained that language is both a fundamental element of a person’s development and identity, and an important tool for communication and co-operation. Overcoming language barriers helps to bridge divides in society.

The phrasebook contains 42 dialogues providing basic, day-to-day phrases and pronunciation. Through a user-friendly interface, the phrasebook covers daily activities to enable two or more people to communicate with one another. A team of experts from the St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and the Tetovo State University developed the content and NDC Skopje digitalized it.

The phrasebook is available free online, with android and iOS applications. These versions are enriched with audio recordings of pronunciations.

Zannier said: “While we are required to maintain a physical distance from others to preserve the health of our communities, we have an opportunity to develop our language skills, which can, in turn, enable new possibilities for communication and appreciation of our neighbours and our broader society.”