The word "walach" may seem unfamiliar to many, but it is actually a German word that refers to the historically significant group of people known as the "Walachians". The spelling of "walach" is based on the German pronunciation, which is [vaˈlaχ]. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be transcribed as /va-lahk/. The "c" at the end of the word is pronounced like the "ch" in "Bach", which is common in German. Understanding the IPA transcription can help with pronunciation of unfamiliar words.
"Walach" is a noun that refers to a member of the ethnic group primarily living in the historical region of Transylvania, which is now part of Romania. The word "walach" is derived from the Old High German term "walh" or "walho," which meant "foreigner" or "Celt." This term was used by Germanic tribes to denote the peoples who spoke Romance languages. In the Roman Empire, "walach" was employed to describe people who lived outside their territories. Throughout history, this designation has been associated with various ethnic groups in Central and Eastern Europe.
The use of the term "walach" became specific to the people in Transylvania during the Middle Ages, distinguishing them from other neighboring ethnic groups. The Walachian people are primarily a continuation of the Romanized inhabitants of Dacia, the ancient region covering parts of Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova. They are largely descended from the Roman colonists who settled in the area during the Roman conquest, as well as from the local Dacian population.
In contemporary usage, the word "walach" is primarily employed to describe individuals of Romanian descent, especially those residing in Transylvania. The term holds cultural and historical significance, representing the rich heritage and identity of the Walachian people within the region.
The word "walach" does not have a well-established etymology. However, it is believed to be derived from the Old High German term "walah", which referred to a foreigner or outsider. The word "walach" itself is primarily associated with the historical region of Wallachia, located in present-day Romania. It is thought that the term came to be used to describe the Romanian-speaking inhabitants of Wallachia, who were perceived as outsiders by neighboring populations.