HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Hungarian language, also referred to as Magyar, is the native language of Hungary and is spoken by approximately 10 million people worldwide. It is part of the Uralic language family, specifically the Ugric branch. Hungarian is primarily spoken in Hungary, where it is the official language, while smaller communities of Hungarian speakers can be found in neighboring countries, such as Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine.
The Hungarian language has a unique structure and vocabulary that differentiates it from other European languages. It is classified as a highly agglutinative language, meaning that words often contain multiple grammatical affixes that carry different meanings. This makes Hungarian a rich and expressive language, as it allows for the creation of long and complex words.
The phonetic system of Hungarian consists of 14 vowels and a relatively large inventory of consonants. It is notable for the presence of vowel harmony, where certain vowels in a word need to agree in terms of front or back articulation.
The writing system of Hungarian uses the Latin alphabet with additional diacritical marks to represent the unique sounds of the language. There is a strong emphasis on phonetic spelling, where letters are usually read as they are written, making it relatively easier for learners to pronounce words correctly.
Overall, the Hungarian language is an important part of Hungarian culture and identity. Its distinct features make it fascinating to study and speak, providing a gateway to understanding the rich history and heritage of the Hungarian people.
Etymology of HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE
The word "Hungarian" referring to the language is derived from the ethnonym "Hungar" or "Hungarus" (meaning "Ten Arrows" in Old Turkic), which is believed to be the name of the ruling tribe that established the kingdom of Hungary around the 9th century.
The term "Hungarian" was first recorded in English in the 17th century and gradually gained usage to refer to the language spoken by the Hungarians. The Hungarian language itself, however, is classified as a member of the Uralic language family, which is distinct from the Indo-European language family that includes English.
