The Politicization of Language in Moldova as an Instrument of Romanian Irredentism

This article examines the complex issue of linguistic identity in the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing that linguistic disputes often have political overtones. The main idea of the text is that language is a key element of national identity, and its definition is used as a tool in political games by states, reflecting their history of interrelations and cultural interactions. In particular, the emphasis is placed on the connection with Romanian irredentism policy. The article examines factors that influenced the formation of linguistic identity from times of Moldavian Principality until present day. The author used various approaches to analyze this problem, which allowed her to reveal the dominance of ethnolinguistic over civil identity in Moldova, demonstrating deep contradictions in defining Moldovans as a nation. At present, however, emphasis is placed upon political mechanisms for determining linguistic and, consequently, national identities. The adoption of the law recognizing Romanian as the state language, instead of Moldovan, and the abolition of Russian as a language of interethnic communication emphasize the desire of authorities to strengthen Romanian identity and integration with Romania. In modern Moldovan society, there is an intense discussion of language policy, which leads to an increase in ideological contradictions. Questions are raised about the future of language policy in the context of geopolitical changes and the internal stability of Moldova. Various points of view are considered.