Moskëndimi

Moskëndimi is an Albanian term that appears in some scholarly or dialectal texts to denote the absence or negation of singing. The word is formed from the prefix mos- (a negation) attached to këndimi (singing), but its precise meaning and usage are not uniform across sources. It is not a standard entry in major Albanian dictionaries and is referenced only in a limited set of ethnomusicological, folkloric, or descriptive discussions of vocal practice.

In practice, moskëndimi is typically described as a deliberate non-singing or a momentary withholding of vocal melody within a musical or ritual context. It may be used to indicate a vocal stance in which silence, spoken words, or non-vocal sound replaces sung material, or as a descriptive label for practices where singing is traditionally avoided in certain situations. The interpretation of moskëndimi can vary by region, community, or scholarly framework, and some sources treat it as a stylistic or functional contrast to këndim (singing).

Usage of the term remains relatively rare and context-dependent. When it does appear, it is usually within discussions of Albanian vocal performance, ritual speech, or regional folklore, rather than as a widely standardized category. Further linguistic or ethnomusicological research is typically needed to establish a consistent definition and determinate scope for moskëndimi.

See also: këndim, muzika shqiptare, ethnomusicology, folklorics.