“Limba Romana” journal marks 20 years

After two decades, the journal “Limba Romana” (“Romanian Language”) continues to promote the national cultural values, address aspects of the ethnic and linguistic identity of the Bessarabian Romanians and develop the intercultural dialogue. Related statements were made in an International Scientific Conference held to mark 20 years of the foundation of the magazine, Info-Prim Neo reports. Editor-in-chief Alexandru Bantos said the journal is the only publication in the history of culture that had a great luck that accompanied it during 20 years because its editorial staff included personalities from the world of linguistics, literature and culture from the whole Romanian language area. The journal was founded by teacher and linguist Ion Dumeniuc. Initially, it bore the name “Limba Noastra” (“Our Language”), but later became “Limba Romana”. “The journal covered a rather difficult path. Today, we can speak about the itinerary of a publication with a very unusual destiny,” said Alexandru Bantos. He stated that they encountered many difficulties over time, but they overcame them all owing to the support of the persons who have promoted the national values – writers, scientists, etc. Arcadie Suceveanu, president of the Writers Union, said the journal obtained the special status of rostrum of the Romanianism as it promotes historical and linguistic truths about this people. Romanian senator Viorel Badea said he has supported this magazine since he was secretary of state for problems of the Romanians everywhere, in 1999-2000. “I contributed to the continuity of this publication and I’m now proud to be here as I realize its special importance to the Bessarabian Romanians. The Romanian language is practically the only instrument for promoting the Romanian national identity,” said the senator. He also said that the Parliament of Romania will institute a special day that will be celebrated on August 31, when it is marked the Language Day in Moldova. Minister of Education Mihai Shleahtitski said that debates, roundtable meetings and other events centering on the Romanian language are held in Chisinau. “We permanently need to promote the Romanian language as we need it and the truth. We cannot become part of the EU without the truth,” said the minister. The journal “Limba Romana” was founded in Chisinau in 1991.