mirënjohja

Mirënjohja is the feeling and expression of gratitude toward someone who has provided help or kindness. It also denotes a social expectation to acknowledge benefits received and, when appropriate, to reciprocate. In Albanian-speaking cultures, mirënjohja is regarded as a core moral value that guides everyday interpersonal relations and social solidarity.

Linguistic and cultural notes indicate that mirënjohja is a native Albanian term commonly rendered in English as gratitude or thankfulness. It embodies both emotional appreciation and a sense of obligation to recognize and respond to the kindness or support one has received. Expressions of mirënjohja can be verbal, such as saying thanks, or manifested through actions, like returning favors, offering assistance, or honoring commitments over time.

Context and usage: mirënjohja appears in family life, education, workplace interactions, and public discourse. It is often discussed in literature, media, and civic conversations as a virtue that promotes trust, reciprocity, and social cohesion. In diaspora communities, the concept continues to shape expectations around care for elders, honoring benefactors, and maintaining social ties.

See also: gratitude, reciprocity, social norms.