bashkëshoqëroj

Bashkëshoqëroj is an Albanian term that roughly translates to "joint living" or "shared residency" in the English language. It is a concept that has been practiced by the diaspora Albanian community, particularly among family members and close relatives. This tradition involves the collective living arrangement of multiple generations of a family, often in the same household.

Traditionally, bashkëshoqëroj is a way for younger family members, such as children and married couples, to live alongside older family members, including grandparents and other relatives in need of care or support. In return, the younger generation receives guidance, support, and financial assistance from their elders. This mutual- benefit arrangement is believed to promote a sense of unity, cohesion, and shared responsibility within the family.

In the past, bashkëshoqëroj was a more common practice among Albanian families, especially in rural areas. With the decline of traditional family structures and the increasing urbanization of societies, this concept has largely faded away. However, many Albanian families continue to preserve this tradition, often in a modified form, where multiple generations still live together but in separate apartments or houses.

Efforts have been made to revive and popularize bashkëshoqëroj as a way to promote intergenerational relationships and family unity in modern Albanian society. The concept continues to hold significant cultural and social importance, reflecting the strong ties and sense of family responsibility that are deeply ingrained in Albanian culture.