ISA Directory of Instrumentation Instrument Soc.of America ( May, 1996 ) Book Our Price : £ 86.00 Prices subject to change. Usually dispatched within 4 to 6 weeks

Should be titled Kosovan Albanian

Any language course is difficult when all of the grammatical rules are different to any language youve ever learnt - and Albanian is very different. I bought this book & cassette because I work in Tirana, the capitol. I realised very early that the pronunciation is different. When I started to use the first word in the first lesson, "Tungjatjeta" for "hello", I was advised that it was very old fashioned and nobody uses it any more. My Albanian friends have listened to the tape and advise that the pronunciation is Kosovan. The author acknowledges that fact in the Preface, but for me, I bought the book before being aware of that. But the grammar lessons are good and applicable. If youre going to Kosovo, its a great book. If youre going to Tirana, its useful, but learn pronunciation from Albanians. If youre just an academic or language enthusiast who wants to learn a new language, then go for it.

A heavy-going book for the beginner.

There are not many books to help the beginner with Albanian. I found this book to be verging on the incomprehensible after chapter 5. A vast quantity of grammatical material is given, which is of questionable value for anyone who needs a grasp of colloquial Albanian. The tapes are useful because they provide an indication of pronunciation of the written word. The format of the book, however, is simply not the best way to encourage anyone to persevere with what appears to be a formidably difficult language. By the time I was a quarter of the way through the book I became convinced that the principle rule of Albanian grammar is that there are no rules of Albanian grammar! It would be good to think that the approach will be radically modified in a subsequent edition.

A good, thorough introduction to Albanian

This is a good, systematic tutor in Albanian. I recommend the book/cassette pack over just the book; Albanian pronunciation really does require careful practice. The grammar is introduced carefully; the exercises are sensible, and there is a great deal of welcome humour.