Renowned researcher Albert Riska has passed away at the age of 63.
The news was shared by the University of Elbasan, which, through an announcement, expressed its condolences for the passing of the renowned linguist.
A significant part of his scientific activity was devoted to the Aromanian language and Aromanian-Albanian relations. These studies were also addressed in the monograph “Aromanians — notes on language and culture”, published in 2005.
On August 13, 2026, Albanian linguistics lost one of its dedicated researchers, Prof. as. dr. Albert Riskë, who passed away at the age of 62, leaving behind extensive activity in the field of historical linguistics, etymology, onomastics and Aromanian studies.
Albert Riska was born on September 8, 1963. He completed his studies in Language and Literature at the “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University of Elbasan, an institution with which he linked his entire academic career. After a short experience as a teacher, he began working as a lecturer and for more than three decades he dedicated himself to teaching and scientific research, especially in the field of the history of the Albanian language.
In 2004, he earned the scientific degree "Doctor of Sciences", while in 2013 he received the title of "Associate Professor". For nearly two decades, he also held leadership positions at the University of Elbasan, while during the years 2016–2022 he served as dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
Riska was also secretary of the Publishing Council and editor of the Scientific Bulletin of the University of Elbasan, making an important contribution to the promotion and publication of academic research.
A significant part of his scientific activity was devoted to the Aromanian language and Aromanian-Albanian relations. These studies were also addressed in the monograph “Aromanians — notes on language and culture”, published in 2005.
With the work "Albania and Christianity" (2012), he focused on the history of the lexicon of faith and toponymy, while his studies on apophony were crowned with the monograph "Traces of Indo-European apophony in the Albanian language", published in 2022.
In addition to scientific research and academic activity, Prof. Riska was a co-author of textbooks, a translator and an editor. In 2018, he published “Laughing Albania”, a work through which he brought another dimension to his relationship with language, combining subtle humor with the scholar's perspective.
For colleagues and students, Albert Riska will be remembered not only for his contribution to Albanian linguistics, but also for his dedication to the University of Elbasan and the generations of students who were formed under his academic guidance.
His work remains a precious legacy for Albanian linguistics and a contribution that will continue to be part of studies on the history, development and richness of the Albanian language.
In these painful moments, the University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani" has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues, students and all those who were fortunate enough to know and work with Prof. as. dr. Albert Riskë.
May the memory and work of Prof. as. dr. Albert Riskë be unforgettable!
