Robert Elsie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Elsie
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| Born | June 29, 1950 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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| Died | October 2, 2017 (aged 67) Bonn, Germany
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| Awards |  Albanian Medal of Gratitude |
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| Main interests | Albanian history, culture |
| Notable works | Albanian Literature : A Short History The Highland Lute (Lahuta e Malcís): The Albanian National Epic. |
Robert Elsie (born June 29, 1950 – died October 2, 2017) was a smart and dedicated scholar. He was born in Canada but became a German expert. He spent his life studying and sharing knowledge about Albanian literature and folklore.
Elsie was a talented writer, translator, and interpreter. He wrote many books and articles. These works helped people around the world learn about different parts of Albanian culture and history.
Robert Elsie's Life
Robert Elsie was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on June 29, 1950. He went to the University of British Columbia. In 1972, he earned a degree in Classical Studies and Linguistics.
He continued his studies in Europe. He attended universities in Berlin, Paris, Dublin, and Bonn. In 1978, he earned his doctorate degree in Linguistics and Celtic Studies from the University of Bonn.
Starting in 1978, Elsie visited Albania many times. He often went with groups of students and professors. He also attended a special seminar in Kosovo. This seminar focused on Albanian language, literature, and culture.
From 1982 to 1987, he worked for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later, from 2002 to 2013, he worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. He was an interpreter for important legal cases there.
Elsie loved to travel and learn about different Albanian dialects. He met many Albanians from various countries. These included people from Albania, Kosovo, Greece, and Italy. He made many recordings of the Albanian language.
As a translator, Robert Elsie helped people read Albanian stories. He translated many songs from famous Albanian epic verse. He wrote many scholarly works during his life. He finished all his important projects before he passed away.
Robert Elsie's Passing
Robert Elsie passed away on October 2, 2017, in Bonn, Germany. He had been battling a serious health condition.
After his death, his partner, Stephan Trierweiler, decided that Elsie should be buried in Albania. This was because Robert Elsie had a deep love for Albania.
Elsie's coffin was brought to Albania. It was placed at the National Library of Albania in Tirana. People came to pay their respects to him. A special ceremony was held in Tirana. Friends, scholars, and politicians from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia attended.
During his life, Elsie really loved a village called Theth. He saw it as a very special and peaceful place in Albania. On October 18, he was buried in this northern village, located in the beautiful Albanian Alps. Robert Elsie was a very productive writer and scholar. His death was a great loss for everyone who studies Albanian culture around the world.
Honours and Awards
Medal of Gratitude (Albania, May 15, 2013) – This award was given to him by the President of Albania, Bujar Nishani. Robert Elsie received this honour for his work over 35 years. He helped promote Albanian culture, language, literature, and history around the world. He also helped show a positive image of Albania to others. President Nishani thanked Elsie and called him "a good Albanian."
