At the University of Prishtina, the open lecture “Words Matter” was held as an academic and awareness-raising event led by Era Hamiti (MA student, first year, Faculty of Economics, Department of Economics), in her role as project lead. The initiative was developed by a group of students from the University of Prishtina and represents a strong example of student leadership and active engagement in addressing issues of academic and societal relevance. Through a structured and reflective approach, the event explored the role of language in shaping social reality, building trust, and promoting inclusion, highlighting the importance of its conscious and inclusive use in both public and academic discourse.
The activity was organized by the Division for Academic Development, Quality, Monitoring and Career at the University of Prishtina, in cooperation with the “Words Matter” initiative. The lecture, held on April 15, 2026, at the Career Development Center, was moderated by Era Hamiti and featured Prof. Dr. Vjosa Sadriu Hamiti as a special guest. The session introduced the mission of the initiative, focusing on promoting conscious, ethical, and inclusive language, while the discussion addressed the impact of communication on perceptions, identities, and the development of a more open and inclusive culture.
During the lecture, key findings from an empirical study conducted by Era Hamiti were also presented, revealing that the use of non-inclusive language remains widespread and often normalized within the academic environment. The findings indicated that a significant number of respondents consider the masculine form as the standard in lectures and teaching materials, while examples in academic literature frequently favor men. Additionally, the lack of training for academic staff in this area was highlighted, contributing to the missing of unconscious linguistic practices and the reinforcement of gender stereotypes.
Era Hamiti, project lead of “Words Matter,” emphasized: “This initiative emerged from the need to address the persistent and often normalized use of non-inclusive language in academic environments. The empirical findings clearly show that change cannot remain at the level of awareness alone, but must be translated into concrete institutional practices. Universities play a key role in shaping communication standards and fostering a more responsible and inclusive discourse”.
The discussion also reflected on the perception of inclusive language in the broader social context of Kosovo, highlighting a generational gap in its understanding and application. In this regard, the role of higher education institutions was emphasized as central in promoting new communication standards and building a more responsible and inclusive culture.
Furthermore, the need to advance the use of inclusive language in academic texts, administrative communication, and media discourse in Kosovo was discussed, particularly through the development of institutional guidelines and the integration of these principles into everyday academic practices.
Prof. Dr. Vjosa Sadriu Hamiti, invited as a special guest, highlighted the transformative role of language in shaping social reality and fostering a more responsible and inclusive discourse.
“Language is not merely a reflection of reality, but an active mechanism that shapes it. The way we communicate directly influences social narratives, reinforces or challenges stereotypes, and creates spaces for inclusion. In this sense, the conscious and inclusive use of language should be an integral part of academic and institutional practices.”
The lecture also included an interactive component, where students engaged through questions and reflections, contributing to an open exchange of ideas and perspectives, making the event a dynamic space for academic dialogue.
Student Tea Gashi from the Faculty of Philology shared her reflections on academic experience, linking the topic to everyday university life.
“The use of inclusive language is not just a formal issue, but directly affects my sense of belonging as a student. The way professors and institutions communicate can either create or limit space for inclusion and active engagement,” she noted.
Similarly, Art Shema, a student from the Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the role of language in motivation and student participation.
“Careful and inclusive communication creates a more open environment, where I feel valued and encouraged to express my thoughts. For me, language is a key tool in building a more supportive and inclusive university community,” he emphasized.
The “Words Matter” initiative was developed within the SHER (Sustainable Higher Education and Research in Kosovo) program, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science. It aims to raise awareness of the role of language in shaping social reality and to promote more conscious, ethical, and inclusive communication.
In conclusion, the event reaffirmed the importance of language as a powerful instrument in building a more just and sensitive society. Through this initiative, the University of Prishtina once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting student-led initiatives that contribute to the development of academic and social discourse.
Students interested in joining the “Words Matter” initiative are invited to follow its activities through the official Instagram profile, a platform where information, discussions, and opportunities for active engagement are regularly shared.