Hungarian Language Beyond Hungary: Exploring Its Global Presence

Hungarian, a unique and fascinating language spoken by around 15 million people worldwide, extends far beyond its traditional borders of modern-day Hungary. This article delves into the places where Hungarian is spoken, from unexpected cities to distant regions, highlighting the diverse communities that have preserved and embraced this language.

Unexpected Encounters with Hungarian

When one thinks of Hungarian, one typically imagines the picturesque landscapes of Hungary, where the language is fluently spoken. However, the story doesn't end there. Hungarian has a surprising presence in various corners of the globe, often in places where one might least expect it.

Anecdotes of Natural Language Encounters

In 1976, during a visit to Moscow, my father and I encountered a Vietnamese-looking individual speaking Hungarian. It transpired that this man had graduated from a Hungarian university and had a deep connection with the language. This was not an isolated incident. In 1989, during a flight from Moscow to Ulan Bator, a Mongolian-looking gentleman, who later revealed he was Mongolian, also spoke Hungarian fluently. He had also studied at a Hungarian university. This serves as a testament to the widespread influence of Hungarian.

Urban Encounters in New York

Another intriguing instance of encountering Hungarian occurred in 2002 on the New York underground or metro. An elderly woman recognized Hungarian, although she did not speak it herself. She mentioned that her son-in-law was Hungarian, highlighting the deep-rooted connections within the community.

Historical Extent of Hungarian-speaking Communities

Historically, the Kingdom of Hungary extended much farther eastward. For instance, the region where I am from in Romania, about 400 kilometers or 250 miles east of the Hungarian-Romanian border, was once part of the most easterly extent of the kingdom. This area, known for its distinctive geographical and cultural characteristics, has preserved its Hungarian identity despite becoming part of Romania post-Treaty of Trianon (1920).

Romanián Hungarian Communities

Although many Hungarian refugees and migrants left during the border changes in the 1920s, some communities, like the Szekely people, chose to stay and remain in their region. They continue to speak a form of Hungarian that is regarded as historically pure. Despite some dialectical variations and loanwords from Romanian, it is readily understandable by native Hungarian speakers. This long-standing presence in neighboring areas exemplifies the resilience of the Hungarian language and culture.

Modern-Day Hungarian Communities

Today, the Hungarian language continues to thrive in various communities, often in locations that have a historical or cultural connection to Hungary. From the border regions of Eastern Germany where Hungarian-speaking communities have maintained their traditions to mixed communities in Slovakia, Serbia, and Romania, the language remains a vibrant part of the cultural tapestry.

As a Hungarian, it is crucial to be mindful of these global communities and the unique challenges they face. The preservation and promotion of the Hungarian language are essential for maintaining cultural identity and ensuring the language's enduring relevance in the ever-changing world.

Keywords: Hungarian Language, Ethnically Hungarian Communities, Historical Language Spread