Tosk

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July 14, 2026

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The Tosk are one of the two main groups of southern Albanians, distinct from the Gheg people of the north. The Tosk dialect is spoken in southern Albania and is one of the two principal dialects of the Albanian language, the other being Gheg. These dialects are separated roughly by the Shkumbin River and have been diverging for at least a thousand years.12

The Albanian language itself is the sole modern representative of a distinct branch of the Indo-European language family. The official Albanian language, established in the 20th century, is modeled on the Tosk dialect.2

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Albania
Ethnic groups
…in the north and the Tosks in the south. Differences between the two groups were quite pronounced before World War II. Until the communist takeover in 1944, Albanian politics were dominated by the more numerous Gegs. Renowned for their independent spirit and fighting abilities, they traditionally opposed outside authority, whether…
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…in the north and the Tosks in the south. Differences between the two groups were quite pronounced before World War II. Until the communist takeover in 1944, Albanian politics were dominated by the more numerous Gegs. Renowned for their independent spirit and fighting abilities, they traditionally opposed outside authority, whether…
Read More