Moldovan President Sandu:Romanian language - the strongest bridge between the two banks of the Prut

The Romanian language remains the strongest bridge between the two banks of the Prut River, President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu declared in Chisinau on Romanian Language Day, which is traditionally observed on August 31.

On the occasion of the third edition of the Grand National Dictation, an event honoring Romanian language identity that also saw the participation of President Nicusor Dan, the Moldovan head of state said that "the Romanian language should not be celebrated just one day a year, but should be honored and respected on each and every day".

"Thank you for attending the third edition of the Grand National Dictation - an event that has become an increasingly appreciated tradition. The fact that the number of participants is growing from one year to the next is proof that the Romanian language brings us together, unites and inspires us. Mr. President, your presence here, in Chisinau, is a sign of friendship and solidarity, but above all it is proof that the Romanian language remains the strongest bridge between the two banks of the Prut. It carries our history, preserves our culture and connects us to our values and traditions. Yet the Romanian language should not be celebrated just on one day a year, but should be honored and respected on each and every day - when we choose to speak correctly, to write carefully, to lovingly use its expressions and the richness of its vocabulary. In this way, we keep it alive and pass it down to the future generations. The Romanian language is our connection to the past - with the writers, singers and teachers who fought for it - but also with the future, with the children who will use it to build the science, culture and art of tomorrow. The word is a tremendous power. It's not a given. There were times when, just for mentioning the Romanian language, you risked being mocked or persecuted. Today we can speak freely - and we must defend and cherish this fundamental right for ourselves and for the future generations," said Sandu.

The Moldovan president went on to remark that Romanian is an official language of the European Union and "the compass of Romanian identity."

"Moreover, Romanian is not just an official language of the European Union, but is spread throughout the continent and beyond. It is no longer unusual to hear it on the streets of Rome, Paris or London, in the markets of Berlin and Madrid, but also across the Ocean - in the United States, Canada or even in distant Australia. It is a reason for joy and pride alike. Wherever we go, the Romanian language remains the compass of our identity and the living connection with our roots. I am also glad that in recent years, increasingly better conditions have been created for citizens belonging to the Republic of Moldova's ethnic minorities to be able to learn Romanian. It is an important step, because the Romanian language can bring us closer to each other, regardless of the community we hail from. It has the power to unite us and help us build together a more cohesive and stronger society," added Maia Sandu.

The third edition of the Grand National Dictation was attended by over 2,000 people who wrote a literary text by dictation. The event, held in Chisinau's Great National Assembly Square, is organized by the Republic of Moldova's Ministry of Education under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.