The Origins of the Romanian Language
Romanian is a Romance language descended from the Latin spoken in the Roman provinces of Dacia and Moesia. After the Roman Empire withdrew from Dacia in the 3rd century AD, the local Latin gradually evolved, absorbing influences from neighboring Slavic, Greek, Hungarian, and Turkish languages. By the Middle Ages, Romanian had diverged considerably from Classical Latin and its Western Romance cousins like Italian, French, and Spanish.
The Linguistic Landscape Before Re-Latinization
Before the 19th century, Romanian was written using the Cyrillic alphabet, and its vocabulary was heavily influenced by Slavic languages due to centuries of cultural and political interaction. The language was also marked by Greek and Turkish borrowings, reflecting the influence of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires over Romanian territories. As a result, the Latin origins of Romanian were often obscured, both in speech and especially in writing.
The Drive for National Identity in the 19th Century
The 19th century was a period of national awakening across Europe, and Romanian intellectuals and politicians sought to solidify a distinct national identity. This movement, known as the “Romanian National Revival,” emphasized the Latin roots of the Romanian people and language. The goal was to align Romania culturally and politically with Western Europe, distancing itself from the Slavic and Ottoman spheres of influence.
The Role of Scholars and the Transylvanian School
Romanian scholars, especially those from the Transylvanian School (Școala Ardeleană), played a pivotal role in the re-latinization process. They conducted extensive research into the Latin origins of Romanian and advocated for reforms that would restore and emphasize these roots. Their work laid the intellectual foundation for linguistic changes that followed.
The Process of Re-Latinization
The re-latinization of Romanian was a deliberate and systematic effort that occurred in two main areas: orthography and vocabulary.
1. Switching to the Latin Alphabet
One of the most visible changes was the gradual replacement of the Cyrillic script with the Latin alphabet. This transition began in the early 19th century and was completed by the 1860s. The adoption of the Latin alphabet was a powerful symbol of Romanian’s Latin heritage and a clear statement of cultural orientation toward Western Europe.
2. Vocabulary Purification and Enrichment
Romanian linguists also sought to “purify” the language by removing or replacing non-Latin words, especially Slavic borrowings, with words derived from Latin or other Romance languages. In many cases, new words were coined using Latin roots, or words were borrowed from French and Italian. For example, the old Slavic-derived word “noroc” (luck) was supplemented with the Latin-based “fericire” (happiness). This influx of Latinate vocabulary profoundly shaped modern Romanian.
Impact on Modern Romanian and Language Learners
Today, Romanian stands as the most Latin of the Eastern European languages, with over 60% of its vocabulary of Latin origin. For learners on platforms like Talkpal, this Latin connection often makes Romanian more accessible, especially for those who already know other Romance languages. The modern standardized language is a product of 19th-century reforms, and understanding this history can help learners appreciate why Romanian sometimes feels both familiar and unique.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Re-Latinization
The re-latinization of Romanian in the 19th century was much more than a linguistic reform; it was a cultural and political statement that continues to influence Romanian identity today. For anyone learning Romanian, understanding this history provides valuable insight into why the language is structured the way it is and how it connects Romania to the broader Romance-language family. If you’re interested in deepening your understanding and fluency in Romanian, resources like Talkpal can guide you through the language’s fascinating past and vibrant present.
