Being accurate while communicating with Albanians is crucial since there are quite many stereotypes related to Albanians. Regrettably, they are mostly negative. And that is unfair.

They do take time for being able to understand you as a potential business partner.

But when you have built up that communication bridge – they demonstrate their devotion to fulfilling their promises.

Sometimes they are perceived as stubborn. That characteristic can be misleading indeed since their strong will and determination can be misinterpreted as inflexibility.

We would rather ask ourselves a simple question: “How Albanians can be weak after passing through difficult times yet still maintaining their cultural identity despite various historic periods and challenges?

Albanians collect more than one opinion for the decision–making.

They prefer not to accept the only point of view – they would collect more than one opinion for the decision–making. And they discuss with the closest ones before the announcements.

Their grouping together can be explained by strong family connections. Family means almost all for Albanians. That is why we can often observe the posture of a warrior. But it is not an intent to attack – it is most likely an intent to defend those whom they protect. And that posture can be observed even during business negotiations.

Be accurate with what you say and how.

Exactly, therefore, you have to be very careful and accurate while expressing your thoughts. No association with anything illegal, please.

Albanians as a rule are competitive. They express their wish to win in a hidden manner – not demonstratively. But this is mostly for the underlying that they are worthy – and they are worthy indeed.

Even though they are very friendly – they are always alerted.

© Julia Karmaz Larsen | The Touch Points | Cross-cultural communications | How to understand each other

Albanian hospitality impresses a lot. If you found yourself to be invited to their home – from your first step inside their accommodation you are automatically placed on the list of their friends.
While establishing effective communication with Albanians you have to get used to a slightly uncomfortable feeling that you are being studied at the earliest stage of your communication process. There is nothing to consider as suspicious – they are just letting you in: in that inner circle where they can express themselves freely and without limitations.

When you are lucky to be enrolled in that inner circle – you can discover much about them, not only about their views, traditions and culture but also about their life’s philosophy. Exactly since that moment, you shall see how much they love to share, and they are fond of talking.

Albanian women.

Albanian women are simply strong – by spirit, by self-expression, by their modern attitude. They appreciate all the scales of beauty and try to find as well as establish that beauty in all possible applications – their homes, their families and foremost within themselves. They are independent yet devoted – first of all to their beliefs and values.

© Julia Karmaz Larsen | The Touch Points | Cross-cultural communications | How to understand each other