Why Did Scanderbeg Communicate in Greek Latin and Turkish Instead of Albanian?

Described as an Albanian nobleman and military leader during the 15th century, Scanderbeg primarily wrote in Greek Latin and Turkish rather than in his native Albanian language for several complex reasons. This article aims to elucidate the historical, cultural, and political factors that influenced his linguistic choices.

Cultural Context

During the 15th century, Albania was under the influence of various powerful empires, including the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires. The language of education and administration in many regions was Greek, particularly among the educated elite. This cultural context played a significant role in shaping the linguistic landscape of the time.

Audience and Diplomacy

Scanderbeg’s engagement in diplomacy and the formation of military alliances with various powers, including the Papal States and other European kingdoms, was a cornerstone of his strategy. Latin, as the language of the church and much of European administration at the time, was essential for effective communication with Western European leaders. This choice allowed him to seek support against the Ottoman conquerors and form strategic partnerships.

Linguistic Landscape

Albanian did not possess a standardized written form or a rich literary tradition comparable to Greek and Latin at the time. The absence of a recognized written Albanian language meant that educated individuals, including Scanderbeg, would naturally gravitate towards languages more widely recognized and used in formal communication.

Turkish Influence

Operating in a region heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire, Scanderbeg would have had practical reasons to learn Turkish. This language would have been essential for engaging with local officials and troops, facilitating military and administrative purposes within his domains.

Historical Context and Perceptions

It is important to note that Scanderbeg never wrote in Greek, as much of the cultural and linguistic influence in his era came from Latin and Turkish. He once described the Greeks, in a letter to the Prince of Naples, as:

“Since the Greeks never resisted the Ottoman conquest, he was absolutely right to think so.”

This perspective reflects the prevailing views of the time and the limited influence of Greek in the region’s political and military landscape.

Personal Background and Illiteracy

While Scanderbeg was literate and knew how to write, his background as an Albanian nobleman whose early language was Albanian and Old Church Slavonic, demonstrates a broader social context. His ability to study and learn Greek later in life underscores the educational opportunities available to the nobility of his time. In contrast, many peasant Arvanites in remote areas of the Peloponnese were illiterate, highlighting the disparity in education and literacy within the region.

Comprehending the reasons behind Scanderbeg’s choice of languages helps to understand the complex interplay of cultural, political, and social factors that shaped the historical landscape of the 15th century, particularly in the areas under Ottoman influence.