Building Bridges Through Language Learning

“When we speak each other’s languages, we start to see each other as people, not stereotypes” says Suzana Maric, student in Balkanistic Study Programme from Novi Sad, Serbia. Her perspective highlights the crucial role of language in fostering mutual understanding, an issue that resonates deeply in Kosovo¹.  

In Kosovo, where multiple ethnic communities- including Albanians, Serbians, Bosnians, Roma, Egyptians, Turkish and others —coexist, linguistic and cultural divisions have long-shaped interactions. The ability to communicate across these barriers holds a transformative power. Historical and political circumstances have contributed to a reality in which many people grow up without fully understanding the languages spoken by their neighbours. The linguistic division often deepens social and economic inequalities, limiting opportunities for cooperation and mutual understanding.  

Through the Social Inclusion Programme (SIP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks to address these challenges. By fostering tolerance, respect, and dialogue, SIP aims to bridge the gaps that language barriers have created. Its two flagship initiatives established in 2021 through the support of the SIP, the Balkanistic Studies Programme and the Language Center, are offered at the University of Pristina. These initiatives have been made possible through a partnership with IOM and the University of Pristina, ensuring that students have quality language education and cultural exchange opportunities.  

For Ms. Maric, a student from the Balkanistic Studies Programme provided a long-awaited opportunity to learn Albanian. “In Novi Sad, I never had the resources to learn Albanian properly, even though I always wanted to. In Pristina, surrounded by Albanian speakers, I feel like I have a chance not only to learn the language but also connect with the people on a much deeper level” she shares. The progamme does more than teaching language skills, it immerses students in the region’s shared heritage and prepares them for careers in diplomacy, research, translation and more. With tailored curriculum, dedicated professors, and institutional partnerships students like Ms. Maric are ready to contribute to regional integration actively.  

Similarly, Afrim Visoka found personal and professional value in learning Serbian through the Language Center. His motivation derived from a study opportunity abroad. “During my Erasmus exchange in Ljubljana, I became friends with Montenegrins, Bosnians and Serbs. When conversations used to get deep, I often felt like an outsider because I couldn’t fully understand. This course helped me bridge that gap, and now I feel more connected to the region.” 

The Language Center offers practical, short —term courses designed to help participants navigate daily interactions, reduce tensions and foster relationships. For Afrim, the course was not just about language acquisition; it was about reclaiming a connection that had been weakened over time. Growing up in Kosovo during a period of language transitions, he was exposed to various languages but never had the opportunity to master them fully.  

The experiences of participants like Ms. Maric and Mr. Afrim show how SIP’s initiatives are reshaping perspectives and fostering connections. Through shared learning and dialogue, individuals are not just acquiring language skills, they are challenging prejudices, forming friendships and building a more inclusive society.  

Supported by United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Switzerland IOM’s Social Inclusion Programme is not just about learning new languages, it’s about building trust, fostering friendships and creating a future where people connect beyond stereotypes. In 2024, over 350 participants successfully completed courses in Kosovo’s official languages, contributing to community dialogue and social cohesion. As more people embrace multilingualism, the division that once defined communities begins to fade.  

*All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).