Introduction to Romania and Its Language

In my extended stay in the Romanian neighborhood for three years, I was enchanted by the warm, welcoming people and their rich cultural heritage. Romania, a country steeped in history and tradition, offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European influences. Its language, Romanian, is a fascinating piece of this cultural tapestry, with deep roots in Latin and a story of linguistic resilience that makes it all the more intriguing.

Linguistic Roots of Romanian

Romanian, a Romance language like other Romance languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian, has its origins in Latin. However, Romanian is special in its linguistic journey. It has managed to develop its unique path as a Latin survivor in the Eastern Slavic region, a region that has been grappling with various linguistic influences. But what truly sets Romanian apart is its conservative grammar and complex gender system.

Grammar and Structure of Romanian

Unlike some other Romance languages, Romanian retains some grammatical features from Latin. For instance, the nous (for all verbs) and the definite article retain some case distinctions. Romanian is also the only Romance language to preserve the three-gender system from Latin, which includes masculine, feminine, and neuter. Other Romance languages have simplified this system, losing the neuter gender.

Language Influences and Adaptation

Romanian’s vocabulary is a fascinating mix of Latin and other borrowed words. Around 30 to 40% of its vocabulary is directly inherited from Latin, showcasing its Latin roots. However, Romanian has also absorbed many Slavic words, particularly in its core vocabulary, which can be attributed to the adoption of Old Slavonic Church Slavonic. Yet, despite these Slavic influences, Romanian has retained a strong Latin grammar, which has been protected to some extent by its Christian roots.

Early Romanian Language

The evolution of the Romanian language can be traced back to early texts from the 16th century. These texts reveal a language that, while different from modern Romanian, shares many features with the contemporary language. This refutes the claim that the Romanian language was entirely modified after the 19th century. Instead, it underwent a natural modernization similar to what was happening in the West during Dante's time.

Modern Romanian Language

Today, Romanian is a complex and dynamic language that reflects a living history. It continues to evolve while honoring its linguistic heritage. The language has retained many Latin-derived words such as dragoste (love) and timp (time), while also incorporating borrowed words and new coinages to meet the demands of modern life.

Conclusion

Romania and its language are indeed a fascinating subject of study, offering a window into the interplay of historical, cultural, and linguistic influences. The Romanian language is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its speakers, maintaining a strong connection to its Latin origins while also accommodating modern influences.