What language is mostly spoken in Romania?

Romania is a beautiful country located in southeastern Europe. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Like many other countries, Romania has its own official language, but it also has a diverse linguistic culture with several minority languages spoken throughout the country. In this blog post, we will explore the Romanian language and its importance in modern-day Romania.

The Romanian Language

Romanian is a Romance language and is the official language of Romania. It is also spoken in Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, and Hungary. Romanian shares a lot of vocabulary with Italian, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Romanian has a Latin-based alphabet with 31 letters. It is a phonetic language, meaning that words are pronounced the way they are written. There are no silent letters in Romanian. Romanian also has a unique feature where it includes both definite articles (a word used to indicate a specific entity) and indefinite articles (a word used to indicate a non-specific entity) in every noun phrase.

Minority Languages in Romania

Aside from Romanian, there are several minority languages spoken in Romania. According to the Romanian constitution, “Romania shall guarantee and protect the rights of national minorities living on its territory.” These minority languages are taught in schools and are recognized by the government.

One of the most widely spoken minority languages in Romania is Hungarian. According to the 2011 Romanian census, there are over 1.2 million ethnic Hungarians living in Romania. Hungarian is the second-most spoken language in Romania after Romanian, especially in areas such as Transylvania and the nearby counties.

Roma is another minority language spoken throughout Romania. Roma is an Indo-Aryan language and is the only official language of the Roma minority in Romania. It is estimated that there are around 620,000 ethnic Roma people living in Romania.

German is another significant minority language in Romania. German is spoken by the German minority in Romania, sometimes referred to as the Transylvanian Saxons. It is estimated that around 36,000 German speakers live in Romania.

Other minority languages in Romania include Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Turkish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romanian is the official language of Romania, and it is widely spoken throughout the country. However, there are several minority languages that are recognized by the Romanian government, including Hungarian, Roma, and German. These languages further contribute to the cultural richness of Romania, and their preservation and recognition are crucial to the country’s identity. If you’re planning to visit Romania or are interested in learning more about the country, it’s helpful to have some basic knowledge of the Romanian language and what minority languages you might hear during your visit.

Insider’s Guide to Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a vibrant and dynamic city filled with rich history, cultural experiences, and delicious food. As a traveler, you may wonder about the language spoken most commonly in Romania. The answer is Romanian, which is the official language of the country. However, many people in Romania also speak English, especially in tourist areas like Bucharest. Here is an insider’s guide to Bucharest with all the must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Sightseeing in Bucharest
Bucharest has countless impressive sights to see during your stay. Start with the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon). Take a guided tour to explore the extravagant interiors with crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and marble floors. Next, visit the iconic Victoria Palace, the Triumph Arch, and the Revolution Square. Don’t miss the historic Old Town with its picturesque streets, impressive architecture, and hip bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Cultural Experiences in Bucharest
Bucharest is the cultural hub of Romania – from museums to art galleries, opera to classical music, and street food to fine dining. Visit the National Museum of Art of Romania to explore a vast collection of European art, including Romanian pieces from ancient times to the present day. Attend a performance of the Romanian National Opera or enjoy a classical concert at the Athenaeum. Discover the unique street food scene at the local markets like Obor, or indulge in fine dining at restaurants like Caru cu Bere, which exhibits a rich history, breathtaking architecture, and live traditional music.

Local History in Bucharest
Bucharest boasts an incredibly rich history, with evidence of Roman settlement from the 6th century B.C. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit famous landmarks like the ruins of the Curtea Veche Palace, built in the 15th century by Vlad the Impaler, who served as the inspiration for Dracula. Also worth a visit are the Vlad the Impaler museum, the Romanian National History museum, and the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, a vast outdoor exhibit showcasing traditional Romanian architecture, customs, and crafts.

Off-the-beaten-path Recommendations in Bucharest
For a unique and authentic experience in Bucharest, check out some of these off-the-beaten-path recommendations. Take a stroll through the beautiful Herăstrău Park, where you can rent a boat and paddle on the lake or visit the Village Museum in the park to discover more about Romanian rural culture. Take a day trip to the Snagov Monastery, located on an island in Snagov Lake, which is believed to be the final resting place of Vlad the Impaler. Enjoy a drink at one of the secret bars and speakeasies like Control Club, Pura Vida, and Terasa Monteoru, or join a craft beer tour through some of the city’s best microbreweries.

Conclusion
Bucharest may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Europe, but it is a hidden gem filled with history, culture, and delicious food. As a traveler, you will find it warm and welcoming, with plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered. We hope this insider’s guide to Bucharest helps you make the most of your time visiting the city.