Bachelor’s Degree in “French Language and Albanian Sign Language”

BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN “FRENCH LANGUAGE AND ALBANIAN SIGN LANGUAGE”

Objectives and Educational Activities of the Study Program

The bachelor’s program in “French Language and Albanian Sign Language” is offered at the Faculty of Foreign Languages by the Department of French Language and aims at the intensive development of linguistic skills in more than one language—specifically, in French and Albanian Sign Language—as well as cultural and communicative competencies. The program combines theories and practices of foreign language use, applied not only to language acquisition but also to (inter)linguistic and intercultural communication.

This study program offers:

-Advanced knowledge of written and spoken language, of Albanian Sign Language, and of French culture, history, and literature, including a critical understanding of theories and principles in this field of study.
-Advanced skills that demonstrate high-level competence and innovation, necessary for solving complex and unpredictable problems in this area of study.
The program has the following objectives:
-To provide in-depth theoretical education in linguistically oriented subjects.
-To offer knowledge of the language, literature, and culture of Francophone peoples and of Albanian Sign Language.
-To develop skills acquired in the fields of teaching, translation, and interpretation.
-To foster skills for reflection and professional development.

Competencies

General Competencies:

-To strengthen and refine linguistic knowledge in French and Albanian Sign Language, as well as in a second foreign language;
-To equip students with thematic and cultural knowledge in both languages of study, along with techniques useful for practicing the profession of linguistic mediator;
-To prepare students to acquire the basics of translation from the foreign language into Albanian and of interpretation in Albanian Sign Language;
-To prepare students to demonstrate skills in the cultural and sociolinguistic aspects of a language and in communication with deaf individuals.

Specific Competencies:

-To possess knowledge of the history, literature, and culture of the countries whose languages are studied, and their connection with European culture;
-To be able to use two foreign languages and apply them in professional contexts related to foreign language use for specific purposes;
-To have a good understanding of the Other, of different foreign cultures, and to know how to communicate and negotiate effectively and professionally with one or more of
these cultures;
-To engage in conversation or correspondence in a foreign language;
-To be able to translate various texts in both working languages;
-To have a solid knowledge of international institutions to which Albania adheres, and beyond.

Employment Opportunities and Professional Qualification

Students who complete this study program may find employment in the following sectors:
-Teaching in schools and educational institutions: Graduates can seek employment as French language teachers in schools, colleges, universities, or public language institutes.
International schools also offer teaching opportunities in French.
-Private individual teaching: Some individuals choose to give private French lessons as tutors or work in private language centers.
-Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism and hospitality sector offers opportunities for French language graduates, as many French-speaking tourists visit Albania.
-Translation and Interpretation: French language skills can be applied in the field of translation and interpretation, whether for businesses, government organizations, or international institutions.
-International institutions: Albania has relationships with various international organizations, some of which may employ French-speaking individuals in roles related to communication, diplomacy, or international cooperation.
-Private businesses: Companies that deal with French-speaking partners or operate in Francophone markets may require French-speaking professionals for roles in sales, marketing, public relations, or management.
-NGOs and the social sector: Non-governmental organizations and the social sector may need French-speaking professionals to work with Francophone populations, especially in education and social integration.
-Diplomacy and international relations: Students interested in a diplomatic career can seek professional development opportunities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or international organizations.
-Media and journalism: Foreign language skills can be useful in journalism, especially for talented individuals with strong writing and communication skills.
-Sign language interpreter: Sign language interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and those who can hear.
-They may work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, courts, businesses, and
public events.
-Court interpreter: Court interpreters specialize in translating between sign language and spoken language during legal proceedings. They often work in courts, law offices, and police departments.
-Medical interpreter: Medical interpreters facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and deaf or hard-of-hearing patients. They may work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices.
-Educational support staff: Support staff in schools assist deaf or hard-of-hearing students in accessing education and participating fully in school activities.
-Sign language teacher: Graduates of sign language studies can teach sign language to deaf or hard-of-hearing students, as well as to hearing individuals interested in learning the language.
-Counselor for the deaf community: Some professionals may work as counselors or social workers specializing in supporting the deaf community by providing guidance and social support services. Sign language graduates can work as intermediaries in organizations, ensuring that services and information are accessible to deaf or hard-ofhearing individuals.
-Social worker for the deaf community: Recent graduates can work in the field of social work, helping deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals access the services and resources they need.
Further Studies at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana

The Bachelor’s Degree in “French Language and Albanian Sign Language” provides opportunities for further study in the Second Cycle of Studies and/or in other study programs of different levels, as foreseen by the applicable legal and sublegal acts.
Students may pursue the following Master’s programs:
 Master of Science in “French Language Teacher for Upper Secondary Education”
 Master of Science in “Intercultural and Tourism Communication (trilingual)”
 Master of Science in “Technical-Literary Translation and Interpretation”
 Professional Master in “Translation” with a specialization in Translation
 Master of Science in Automatic Language Processing, specialization in Automatic and
Linguistic Processing of Written Documents.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Program funded by the European Union
Our students have the opportunity to complete one or two semesters of study at partner foreign universities with which the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana (UT-FFL) has signed inter-institutional Erasmus+ KA1 agreements, in the following countries: Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Czech Republic, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Romania.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Bachelor in “French Language and Albanian Sign Language”