MAGYAR NYELV
The Hungarian language holds immense cultural, historical, and linguistic significance for Hungary and its people. It is a fundamental marker of identity.
According to linguistic research, Hungarian has been an independent language for approximately 2,500–3,000 years. This means it separated from its closest linguistic relatives during that time and has remained distinct ever since. Around the year 1000, Hungarian adopted the Roman alphabet for its written form, replacing the ancient Hungarian Runes (Rovás), an inscription-based script traditionally carved into wood.
Throughout history, Hungarian has interacted with ancient Turkic, Iranian, and other languages. Many words have been borrowed and adapted from Turkish, German, and Slavic languages. These influences contribute to the uniqueness of Hungarian, setting it apart from neighbouring tongues. Unlike most European languages, which belong to the Indo-European family, Hungarian follows a distinct linguistic lineage, offering fascinating insights into language structure, syntax, and phonology. Some scholars classify it as part of the Finno-Ugric language family, though this connection remains debated.
The history of the Hungarian language reflects the nation’s complex past, influenced by nomadic tribes from the Eurasian steppes, the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin, and centuries of interaction with neighbouring peoples and empires. Studying Hungarian offers valuable insights into these historical dynamics and their lasting impact on Hungarian society. Despite challenges, Hungarian has evolved over time. New words are continually introduced to keep pace with modern developments, ensuring the language remains vibrant and relevant.
Hungarian serves as a crucial link to cultural heritage, particularly for the 24.6% of Hungarians living outside Hungary. Preserving the language ensures that Hungarian communities abroad maintain their connection to their roots. In neighbouring countries where the largest number of Hungarian minorities reside, language preservation is vital for cultural continuity.
Hungarian boasts a rich literary tradition dating back centuries. Poets like Endre Ady and Sándor Petőfi captured Hungarian emotions and experiences, helping to shape national identity. Language is the vessel through which folklore, literature, music, and traditions are passed down, uniting Hungarians both within Hungary and across the diaspora.
Hungarian is more than just a means of communication—it is a cornerstone of Hungarian culture, a symbol of identity, and a tool for preserving traditions, connecting Hungary’s past to its present and remaining a powerful medium for artistic expression. Its significance extends beyond national borders, contributing to Europe’s linguistic diversity. Without this unique language, Hungary’s distinct identity could be lost to assimilation.
For Western languages, only 7 vowels are used. However, in Hungarian, you can distinguish 14 vowels in both the short and long versions. These are: a-á, e-é, i-í, o-ó, ö-ő, u-ú, ü-ű. According to Italian linguist Giuseppe Caspar Mesofanti (18th-19th centuries), who wrote in 58 languages and spoke in 103 languages, Hungarian is the third most melodic language in the world, is only preceded by Italian and Greek.
As John Bowring noted in 1830: “The Magyar language stands afar off and alone. The study of other tongues will be found of exceedingly little use towards its right understanding. It is moulded in a form essentially its own, and its construction and composition may be safely referred to an epoch when most of the living tongues of Europe either had no existence or no influence on the Hungarian region.”
Similarly, Sir Bernard Shaw remarked: “After studying the Hungarian language for years, I can confidently conclude that had Hungarian been my mother tongue, my work would have been more precious. Simply because through this extraordinary, ancient, and powerful language, it is possible to precisely describe the tiniest differences and the most secretive tremors of emotions.”
Like many others, I believe that the Hungarian language has played a crucial role in preserving the nation’s unique identity. My grandfather, Ede Láng, was a descendant of the Zipser Germans who, 300 years ago settled in the Tatra Mountains—an area that became Slovakia after World War I. Driven by their connection to the Hungarian language, this geopolitical shift convinced the family to relocate to what remained of Hungary.
Interestingly, following the failed Hungarian Revolution of 1848, our family was represented by two of the thirteen generals executed by the Austrian Emperor in Arad: Ignác Török and Ernő Kiss. It was said that these two were the only generals of true Hungarian ancestry. My research suggests that the Kiss family actually originated from Armenia in the 1500s. Despite diverse origins, most of the executed generals spoke Hungarian, underscoring the language’s role in uniting people of different backgrounds.
My father, a devoted Hungarian nationalist, had to accept that he would never be able to return to his Hungary to live. His greatest regret however, was that his sons and grandchildren would never fully appreciate the beauty and depth of the Hungarian language.
