Romance languages are not only an integral part of the world’s history, but also an integral part of language use as a whole. There are six main Romance languages spoken today: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan. These are all regional to their specific countries and, with the exception of Catalan, are practiced regularly. Their use in daily life keep the dialects active and far from extinct. All of these languages are descendants of one common language known as Vulgar Latin. This form of Latin is itself considered a dead language, even though it is prominently used in the Catholic Church to this day.
Some forty-seven spoken dialectical varieties have been identified as still in use throughout Europe. Many of these original dialects are either in danger of becoming extinct or have done so already. This list includes languages like Mozarabic, Shuadit, Zaraphatic, and Dalmatian (which are entirely extinct), and Asturian in Spain, Mirandese in Portugal, Ladin in Italy, and Megleno-Romanian in Greece (which are endangered). With the loss of these specific dialects, pieces of the past are lost, and the field of linguistics research becomes narrower.
Latin itself used to be the most important language of ancient Rome and the surrounding areas. It was used as early as the sixth century BC, and continued to thrive as a means of communication. Cicero, Virgil and Caesar all used Latin to write poetry, stories and epic narratives. It is surprising that such a strongly held language could be so easily lost over the course of history, but it speaks to the ever-changing nature of language, society, and culture. Romance languages spread from this common base as a result of trade and heavy development in other areas of the world. From over forty seven dialects mentioned by the Ethnologue, only five are practiced regularly to this day. Romance languages are dwindling, but still have importance for the development of global communication.
What impact do you think losing languages and dialects could have on the development of an increasingly interconnected world? Do you speak an endangered language and have an opinion? Let us know!
