What Language is Spoken in Romania? A Comprehensive Guide

Romania is a beautiful country located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary. It is a country with a fascinating culture, unique traditions, and a rich history. If you’re planning to visit Romania or just curious about the language spoken there, you may wonder what language is spoken in Romania. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the language spoken in Romania, its history, and some interesting facts about it.

The Official Language of Romania

The official language of Romania is Romanian. It is a Romance language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European language family. Romanian is the only Eastern Romance language and the only Romance language spoken in Eastern Europe. Romanian has about 25 million speakers worldwide, with roughly 24 million of them in Romania.

The History of Romanian Language

The origins of the Romanian language date back to the Roman Empire. The Romans conquered the region of Dacia in 106 AD and established a province called Roman Dacia. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, and it influenced the Romanian language. The Romanian language evolved from Latin over the centuries and was heavily influenced by Slavic and Turkish languages. The first written document in Romanian dates back to the 16th century, and it is written with Cyrillic letters. The modern form of the Romanian language was standardized in the 19th century.

The Unique Features of Romanian Language

Romanian has several unique features that set it apart from other Romance languages. One of the most distinctive features of the Romanian language is its pronunciation. Romanian has five vowels, and each vowel has two pronunciations, a short one and a long one. Romanian also has a series of sounds that are difficult to pronounce for non-native speakers, such as the sounds “ș” and “ț”.

Another interesting feature of the Romanian language is that it’s written with the Latin alphabet but has five additional letters: ă, â, î, ș, and ț. These letters are not found in other Romance languages.

Lastly, Romanian is the only Romance language that uses definite articles. In Romanian, definite articles are placed after the noun and agree in gender and number. For example, “masă” (table) becomes “masa” (the table) for a feminine singular noun.

Why Learn Romanian?

If you’re planning to visit Romania, you’ll find that most people speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, if you want to truly experience Romanian culture and connect with locals, learning some Romanian is a good idea.

Besides the cultural aspect, learning Romanian can be beneficial from a professional perspective. Romania is a growing economy with a thriving IT industry. Romanian is one of the six official languages of the European Union, and it is spoken by over 26 million people worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the official language of Romania is Romanian, a Romance language that evolved from Latin. Romanian has unique features that make it stand out from other Romance languages, such as its pronunciation, additional letters, and the use of definite articles. Although learning Romanian is not essential for visiting Romania, it can enhance your experience and open up professional opportunities. We hope you found this comprehensive guide to the Romanian language useful and informative.

Insider’s Guide to Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with a rich history, tumultuous past, and vibrant cultural scene. This insider’s guide will help you discover the best of Bucharest, from local attractions to dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Sightseeing and Attractions
Bucharest is a city with numerous interesting attractions and landmarks. Here are some popular sites to visit:
– Palace of the Parliament: This colossal building is the world’s second largest administrative building after the Pentagon. It was built during the reign of former communist dictator Ceaucescu and boasts over 1100 rooms and an impressive interior in grandiose style.
– Romanian Athenaeum: This beautiful concert hall was built in the late 19th century and hosts numerous classical music concerts throughout the year.
– Old Town: Known as Lipscani, Bucharest’s Old Town is a warren of cobbled streets, historical buildings, trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants.
– Herastrau Park: This expansive park is the largest in Bucharest and features a beautiful lake, various activities such as boating and cycling, and picturesque gardens.

Dining and Nightlife
Romanian cuisine is hearty and delicious. Bucharest offers many culinary options and here are some popular places to check out:
– Caru’ cu bere: A legend in Bucharest, this stunning beerhouse dates back to 1879 and serves hearty dishes such as schnitzel, goulash, and spiced mulled wine.
– Manuc’s Inn: A historic restaurant located in the Old Town dating back more than 200 years. Its traditional cuisine is a must-try, along with their signature drink, the Manuc’s beer.
– Shift Pub: This trendy pub in Old Town is a popular nighttime venue to catch live music, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences
Bucharest has a rich cultural scene with many exciting events taking place throughout the year. Some must-see cultural attractions include:
– Romanian Athenaeum: As mentioned earlier, this concert hall is the perfect venue to catch a classical music performance with excellent acoustics.
– National Museum of Romanian History: This impressive museum boasts over 60,000 artifacts spanning the country’s history, including murals and mosaics in the section dedicated to the Dacian tribes.
– National Museum of Art of Romania: This museum displays artwork from the Middle Ages to modern times. Exhibitions include works by famous Romanian painters such as Nicolae Grigorescu and Constantin Brancusi.

Local History
Bucharest’s history is fascinating and reflects its tumultuous past. Here are some local landmarks to visit to learn more about Bucharest’s history:
– Revolution Square: This public square was the epicenter of the 1989 Romanian Revolution that led to the collapse of communism in Romania.
– Village Museum: A unique outdoor museum presenting traditional architecture and regional customs from all over Romania.
– The Royal Palace: Currently the National Museum of Art, it was first built in the late 19th century for Romania’s royal family.

Off-the-beaten-path
While in Bucharest, don’t be afraid to explore some off-the-beaten-path activities and neighborhoods, such as:
– Vacaresti Natural Park: This park is located in a largely undiscovered area of Bucharest. It’s home to an amazing wilderness ecosystem of wetlands, natural ponds, and over 90 bird species.
– Tineretului Park: This park located in Southern Bucharest is much less crowded than other parks in the city. It offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy nature, including an artificial lake and a rowing club.

In conclusion, Bucharest is a fascinating city full of history, culture, and cuisine. With its many attractions, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Bucharest is an ideal destination for those curious to explore the Eastern European region.