Anela Džogović
Associate Professor, Prof. asoc. Dr.
Faculty of Management in Tourism, Hospitality and Environment, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Email: anela.dzogovic@unhz.eu
ORCID: 0000-0002-7073-5526
Alberta Tahiri
Associate Professor, Prof. asoc. Dr.
Faculty of Management in Tourism, Hospitality and Environment, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Email: alberta.tahiri@unhz.eu
ORCID: 0009-0006-7361-2413 , 0000-0003-3626-4481
Anita Cucović
Associate Professor, Prof. asoc. Dr.
Faculty of Business, University „Haxhi Zeka“ – Peja
Email: anita.cucovic@unhz.eu
ORCID: 0000-0003-2324-4422
Omer Honsić
Student
Faculty of Management in Tourism, Hospitality and Environment, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Email:omerhonsic3@gmail.com
Emir Nurković
Student
Faculty of Management in Tourism, Hospitality and Environment, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Email: nurkovicemir15@gmail.com
Nihat Kandić
Student
Faculty of Management in Tourism, Hospitality and Environment, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Email: kandicn668@gmail.com
Abstract
Contemporary education faces the challenges of globalization, which increasingly threatens the preservation of cultural and linguistic identity. In an era of accelerated change, when norms and values are rapidly homogenizing, educational strategies become crucial for the preservation of specific cultural characteristics and linguistic traditions. This research paper starts from the assumption that education has a central role in the protection of cultural and linguistic identities, and that approaches should be developed that enable the preservation of authenticity and diversity in the context of global changes.
The subject of the research focuses on the analysis of educational methods and practices that enable the strengthening of awareness of the importance of cultural and linguistic identity, as well as on understanding the role of educational institutions in promoting cultural heritage. Special attention is paid to researching how educational systems can develop strategies that enable students and communities to maintain and transmit their cultural and linguistic values, while at the same time adapting to global trends. Particular consideration is given to the municipality of Peja as a local context in which education, cultural heritage, and the development of tourism can interact in the process of preserving cultural and linguistic identity.
The empirical part of the paper is based on the analysis of the experiences and attitudes of educational workers, students and cultural actors, which allows for a better understanding of current educational practices and challenges in the field of identity preservation. The results obtained contribute to new theoretical approaches to educational policies.
Keywords: education, preservation of cultural identity, linguistic identity, globalization, educational policies, cultural heritage, sustainability.
Introduction
Traditional models of education, focused primarily on quantitative indicators such as student numbers, classes, and academic achievements, are no longer sufficient to address the complexity of processes that shape cultural and linguistic identity. Globalization increasingly pressures local communities to adapt while preserving their cultural authenticity, creating challenges for education systems worldwide.
Education must go beyond the mere transfer of knowledge. It should raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage, strengthen local identity, and equip students with the skills to navigate global influences without losing their roots. Teachers, curricula, and educational institutions play a key role in fostering community engagement, maintaining local languages, traditions, and values, and supporting long-term cultural sustainability.
The municipality of Peja in northwestern Kosovo provides a unique context for exploring these dynamics. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO-protected sites, traditional crafts, and local customs, Peja demonstrates how education and cultural tourism can interact to preserve identity. This paper examines how educational practices in Peja balance global influences with local heritage preservation, highlighting the role of curricula, teaching methods, and experiential learning in sustaining cultural and linguistic diversity.