When people think of the Romanian language, the first country that comes to mind is, of course, Romania. However, Romanian is spoken in several other countries as well, each with its unique characteristics and levels of fluency. In this article, we will explore which countries speak the Romanian language best, delving into both native-speaking regions and areas where Romanian is a significant minority language.

Romania: The Heartland of the Romanian Language

It goes without saying that Romania is the epicenter of the Romanian language. Nearly 90% of the country’s population speaks Romanian as their native tongue. The language is an essential part of the nation’s identity, culture, and daily life. Romanian is the official language and is used in government, media, education, and virtually all other facets of public and private life.

Romanian in Romania is notable for its rich literature, intricate grammar, and distinctive phonetics. The language has undergone various stages of evolution, influenced by Latin, Slavic languages, Turkish, Greek, and Hungarian, among others. For anyone looking to master Romanian, Romania offers an immersive environment where one can experience the language in its most authentic form.

Moldova: A Close Linguistic Relative

Moldova is another country where Romanian is widely spoken. In fact, the official language of Moldova is Romanian, although it is often referred to as “Moldovan” due to historical and political reasons. Approximately 75-80% of Moldova’s population speaks Romanian, making it the dominant language in the country.

The Romanian spoken in Moldova is very similar to that in Romania, although there are some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. Moldova’s historical context, including its periods under Russian and Soviet rule, has led to the incorporation of a significant number of Russian loanwords and expressions in everyday speech.

Transnistria: A Special Case

Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, presents a unique case. While the official languages here are Russian, Ukrainian, and Moldovan (Romanian), the prevalence of Romanian is notably lower compared to the rest of Moldova. Russian and Ukrainian are more commonly spoken due to the region’s demographic and political leanings. Nonetheless, those who speak Romanian in Transnistria often do so with a mix of local dialects and Russian influences.

Romanian in Ukraine

In Ukraine, Romanian is spoken primarily in the regions of Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia, as well as some parts of Odessa. These areas are home to ethnic Romanian communities who have preserved their language and culture over the centuries. The Romanian spoken in Ukraine is quite similar to that in Romania, although it may feature some local dialectal differences.

Ukraine has several Romanian-language schools and cultural organizations that work to maintain and promote the use of the language. However, the number of Romanian speakers in Ukraine is relatively small, and the language is often overshadowed by Ukrainian and Russian, which are more widely spoken.

Hungary: Romanian as a Minority Language

Romanian is also spoken by a minority in Hungary, especially in the regions bordering Romania. The Romanian community in Hungary is relatively small, but they have managed to maintain their linguistic heritage through cultural associations and Romanian-language schools.

The Romanian spoken in Hungary is influenced by both Hungarian and the local dialects of Romanian. While the number of speakers is not large, the language is still actively used in cultural and community events, ensuring its continued presence in the region.

Serbia: Preserving Romanian Heritage

In Serbia, Romanian is spoken primarily in the Vojvodina region, which is home to a significant ethnic Romanian community. The Romanian-speaking population in Serbia has managed to preserve their language and culture despite being a minority. Romanian language education is available, and there are several cultural organizations dedicated to promoting Romanian heritage.

The Romanian spoken in Serbia is influenced by Serbian, and there are some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, the core structure and grammar of the language remain consistent with standard Romanian.

Italy and Spain: Romanian Diaspora

Italy and Spain are home to large Romanian diaspora communities, resulting from waves of migration in recent decades. In both countries, Romanian is spoken by hundreds of thousands of people, making it one of the most commonly spoken minority languages.

In Italy, cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin have significant Romanian-speaking populations. The language is used in community events, Romanian-language media, and within families. Similarly, in Spain, cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have large Romanian communities. Romanian language schools, churches, and media outlets help maintain the language among the diaspora.

While the Romanian spoken by the diaspora in Italy and Spain is largely standard Romanian, it is often influenced by the local languages. Many Romanian speakers in these countries are bilingual or even trilingual, often switching between Romanian, Italian/Spanish, and sometimes English.

Israel: A Historical Connection

Romanian is also spoken by a notable community in Israel, primarily among older generations who emigrated from Romania in the mid-20th century. The Romanian-speaking community in Israel has a rich cultural heritage, with several organizations dedicated to preserving Romanian language and traditions.

The Romanian spoken in Israel is influenced by Hebrew and, to a lesser extent, Yiddish and other languages spoken by the Jewish diaspora. While the younger generation is more likely to speak Hebrew, efforts are made to teach Romanian in community centers and cultural events.

United States and Canada: Romanian in North America

The United States and Canada are home to substantial Romanian-speaking communities, particularly in cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Montreal. These communities have established Romanian churches, schools, and cultural organizations to maintain their linguistic and cultural heritage.

In North America, the Romanian language is often passed down through generations within families and communities. While English or French (in Quebec) is the dominant language, efforts are made to preserve Romanian through language classes, cultural events, and Romanian-language media.

Conclusion: Romanian Language Around the World

The Romanian language is spoken with varying degrees of fluency and purity across different countries. Romania and Moldova are the heartlands of the language, where it is spoken by the majority of the population and serves as the official language. In countries like Ukraine, Hungary, and Serbia, Romanian is spoken by minority communities who have preserved their linguistic heritage despite external influences.

The Romanian diaspora in Italy, Spain, Israel, and North America has brought the language to new regions, where it continues to thrive within communities. While the Romanian spoken in these diaspora communities may be influenced by the local languages, efforts to maintain and promote the language ensure its continued presence.

For language learners, understanding the different contexts in which Romanian is spoken can provide valuable insights into the language’s diversity and adaptability. Whether you are learning Romanian in Romania, Moldova, or among the diaspora, each experience offers a unique perspective on this rich and fascinating language.