What are the languages spoken in Romania? Romania, a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, boasts a rich linguistic tapestry. The official language is Romanian, but the country is home to a variety of other languages and dialects, reflecting its diverse history and cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the languages spoken in Romania and their significance in the country’s cultural landscape.
Romanian, the official language, is a Romance language closely related to Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It has its roots in Latin and has been influenced by other languages throughout history, including Slavic, Greek, and Turkish. Romanian is spoken by the majority of the population, with estimates suggesting that around 90% of Romanians are fluent in the language.
In addition to Romanian, there are several other languages spoken in Romania, particularly in the regions with significant ethnic minorities. Here are some of the most notable ones:
1. Hungarian: Hungarian is spoken by the Magyar (ethnic Hungarian) community, which constitutes approximately 7% of Romania’s population. The Hungarian-speaking region is primarily located in the western part of the country, particularly in the Transylvania region.
2. Romani: Romani, also known as Gypsy, is the language of the Roma people, who are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Romania. The Romani language is part of the Indo-Aryan language family and has its own unique script. It is spoken by around 1% of the Romanian population.
3. German: German is spoken by the Saxon community, which resides mainly in the region of Transylvania. The Saxon settlers arrived in the 12th century and have maintained their language and culture to this day. German is spoken by approximately 0.5% of the Romanian population.
4. Ukrainian: Ukrainian is spoken by the Ukrainian community, which is mainly located in the eastern part of Romania, particularly in the region of Bessarabia. This community represents around 0.3% of the Romanian population.
5. Russian: Russian is spoken by the Russian community, which is concentrated in the southern part of Romania, near the border with Moldova. This community accounts for approximately 0.2% of the Romanian population.
6. Turkish: Turkish is spoken by the Turkish community, which is primarily located in the Dobruja region in the southeastern part of Romania. The Turkish-speaking population is estimated to be around 0.2% of the Romanian population.
These languages and dialects contribute to the cultural diversity of Romania and play a significant role in the country’s identity. While Romanian remains the dominant language, the coexistence of these other languages reflects the rich history and cultural heritage of Romania. The government of Romania recognizes the importance of preserving these languages and has implemented various measures to support their use and development. By doing so, Romania ensures that its linguistic diversity continues to thrive for generations to come.
