Introduction of English
The first significant contact between English and Romania was in the 1860s. British travelers were curious about the mysterious country. At this time in history, Romania was largely undiscovered by the English (Koranyi, James). As a result of these travels, the British were fascinated by the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains (pictured above) and Romania's rural world.
While Romanian contact with English was limited and had only spread among main ports and routes, this was the start of English’s influence in Romania. (Cenoz, Jasone). Traveler Mary Adelaide Walker wrote in her book Untrodden Paths in Roumania, “The resources of Roumania are so great, that under a wise, peaceful, and encouraging government … this small state may become in a short time one of the most flourishing in Europe…”. Because of British interest, Romania had not heard the last of English. |
Spread of English
English continues to spread across Romania. English is becoming increasingly important in Romania as the country modernizes to compete for a world presence. Monica Condruz-Băcescu from The Bucharest University of Economic Studies states, “In Romania, English was and is used today as a tool to accelerate the timing and participation in the global economy”. Because English dominates in so many domains that Romania is expanding (mass media, education, economics, business) it is vital for Romania to implement English.
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