Rusyn language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rusyn |
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| русиньскый язык; руски язик rusîn'skyj jazyk; ruski jazik |
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| Ethnicity | Rusyns | |||
| Native speakers | 623,500 (2000–2006)e18 Census population: 70,000. These are numbers from national official bureaus for statistics: Slovakia – 33,482 |
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| Language family | ||||
| Writing system | Cyrillic script (Rusyn alphabets) Latin script (Slovakia) |
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| Recognised minority language in |  Czech Republic
 Ukraine |
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| Linguasphere | 53-AAA-ec < 53-AAA-e (varieties: 53-AAA-eca to 53-AAA-ecc) |
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Rusyn (Rusyn: русиньска бесїда or русиньскый язык) is an East Slavic language. It is spoken by the Rusyns people in Central Europe. In English, it is also known as Ruthene or Ruthenian. Some language experts believe Rusyn is its own unique language. Others, especially some Ukrainian scholars, think it is a type of Ukrainian.
Rusyn is spoken in several countries. You can hear it in the Transcarpathian Region of Ukraine. It is also spoken in northeastern Slovakia, in a region called Vojvodina in Serbia, and in southeastern Poland. Smaller groups of Rusyn speakers live in Hungary and northern Romania.
In Serbia, Rusyn is an official language for minority groups. This means it has special protection and can be used in government and schools. Since 1995, Rusyn has also been an official minority language in Slovakia. In some towns in Slovakia, it is even an official language for daily life.
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages helps protect Rusyn. This important agreement lists Rusyn as a protected language in Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, and Romania. This helps keep the language alive and used.
Contents
Where is Rusyn Spoken?
Rusyn is spoken in different areas across Central and Eastern Europe. The main places where you will find Rusyn speakers are:
- The Transcarpathian Region in Ukraine
- Northeastern Slovakia
- The Vojvodina region in Serbia
- Southeastern Poland
- Parts of Hungary
- Northern Romania
These areas are home to the Rusyn people, who have kept their language and traditions for many years.
Is Rusyn an Official Language?
Yes, in some places, Rusyn has official status. This means it is recognized and protected by the government.
Official Status in Serbia
In Serbia, Rusyn is an official minority language. This is important because it allows Rusyn to be used in schools, government offices, and public life. This helps Rusyn speakers keep their language strong.
Official Status in Slovakia
Since 1995, Rusyn has also been an official minority language in Slovakia. In some towns and villages in Slovakia, Rusyn is even an official language. This means it can be used for local government and public services.
Protection by European Charter
The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages helps protect Rusyn. This charter is an agreement that aims to protect and promote languages spoken by smaller groups of people. Rusyn is listed as a protected language in:
- Slovakia
- Serbia
- Croatia
- Romania
This protection helps ensure that the Rusyn language continues to be used and taught for future generations.
Images for kids
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Official usage of Pannonian Rusyn in Vojvodina, Serbia.
See also
In Spanish: Idioma rusino para niños
