Summary
Since ancient times, various peoples have settled in southern Italy: ancient Greeks, Byzantine Greeks, Arabs, Waldenses, and Albanians. Of these, only the Albanians have survived as an ethnic group. Posing some threat to the native culture, the other groups met with antagonism. On the other hand, largely because their way of life did not disturb the status quo, the Albanians were accepted. Aside from minor troubles and suspicions. they have lived rather peacefully in southern Italy for nearly 500 years.
Some Italo-Albanian villages have lost their Albanian characteristics; others, while considerably Italianized, still retain recognizable Albanian traits. The completely assimilated villages are in the “compartments” of Abruzzi, Campania, and Apulia. The assimilation of the Apulian villages can be explained by the fact that
they are situated in the accessible lowlands and rather close to the large cities of Taranto and Lecce. The villages retaining Albanian characteristics are situated in Calabria, Lucania and northwestern Sicily, in remote, mountainous regions which are just beginning to be reached through modern means of transportation and
communication.
To a large extent the Italo-Albanian of southern Italy follows the Italian way of life. There has been some intermingling and even intermarriage. His towns, dwellings, agricultural practices, food, clothing, and economy resemble those of the Italians. Within his village, however, he has been able to speak Albanian, maintain the Greek religious rite, glorify his own heroes, hold his own festivals, retain some costumes, and perpetuate the folklore of his ancestors.
Present conditions point to the hastening of acculturation. No new migrations have occurred to strengthen the ties with the homeland. The Italian government does not regard the Italo-Albanians as a minority group needing separate treatment, but offers them the same opportunities it offers the Italians. The advent of modern transportation and communication, land resettlement, and increased educational opportunities will bring the Italo-Albanians closer and closer to a completely Italian way of life