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Moldovan language

Also known as: Moldavian language

Quick Summary

The Moldovan language is designated as Moldova's official language. Historically, during Russian imperial and Soviet rule, it was written in the Cyrillic alphabet and promoted by Soviet scholars as a distinct language separate from Daco-Romanian, primarily for political reasons. However, Moldovan and Romanian are virtually identical, with differences limited to phonetics and vocabulary. In 1989, the script was changed to the Latin alphabet, sparking debate over the name. By the mid-2000s, there was widespread agreement that Moldovan and Romanian are the same language. Despite this, Moldovan pride in their language is evident in their national anthem and motto. Russian is also widely spoken and accepted as a second language, particularly in urban areas, leading to bilingualism.1

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