National Dictation Event 2026: Nearly 3,500 Participants Promote the Romanian Language in the Republic of Moldova

National Dictation Event Marks Its Fourth Edition: Nearly 3,500 Participants Celebrate the Romanian Language

Nearly 3,500 people participated today, on Romanian Language Day, in the fourth edition of the National Dictation Event, held in at least 16 districts of the Republic of Moldova. Around 2,500 participants gathered in Chișinău’s Great National Assembly Square to take part in the dictation.

For many participants, the event has already become a tradition. They say they return year after year out of respect for the Romanian language, as well as out of a desire to contribute to its promotion and correct use.

Vasile Tofan: “If you live here, it is natural to learn Romanian”

In his opening address, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan spoke about the role of the Romanian language in national identity and about the efforts of generations who contributed to the return to the Latin alphabet and the recognition of Romanian as the official language in the Republic of Moldova.

He highlighted both the contribution of prominent figures from the national revival movement and that of thousands of teachers, parents, writers, journalists and ordinary people who helped preserve the Romanian language.

“The return to the Latin alphabet and the restoration of the Romanian language to the center of public life were among the great victories of our national revival. The Romanian language survived here despite the Soviet occupation, the foreign alphabet imposed on it, and the enormous pressure of the Russian language in education, administration and public life,” Vasile Tofan stated.

The Prime Minister mentioned among those who fought for the Romanian language Grigore Vieru, Nicolae Dabija, Leonida Lari, Ion Vatamanu, Dumitru Matcovschi, Gheorghe Ghimpu, Ion and Doina Aldea Teodorovici, along with numerous other representatives of the national revival movement.

“For me, the Romanian language has always felt like home, regardless of where I have lived. If you live here, it is natural to learn Romanian,” the Prime Minister added.

Dan Perciun: The Romanian language is a responsibility for the current generation

Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun also emphasized that preserving and passing on the Romanian language represents a responsibility for the current generation.

The Minister noted that the return to the Latin alphabet and the recognition of the Romanian language were not accidental developments, but the result of a decades-long struggle undertaken by people who assumed personal risks in defending this ideal.

“Nothing that we celebrate today came about on its own. Neither the independence of the Republic of Moldova, nor the restoration of the Romanian language to its rightful status, nor the return to the Latin alphabet happened to us by chance,” Dan Perciun stated.

According to the Minister, for nearly half a century, pupils, teachers, peasants, intellectuals, women and men opposed a regime in which resistance could mean the loss of freedom, deportation or even death.

A Text Inspired by the Work of Gheorghe Urschi

This year, participants were asked to write an adapted excerpt from the play “The Testament”, written by the late actor and humorist Gheorghe Urschi.

Participants described the text as accessible and engaging, while also testing their knowledge of spelling and punctuation. Among other elements, they noted the use of dialogue, different types of clauses, words requiring particular spelling rules and regionalisms.

For some, the National Dictation Event was a first-time experience and was perceived as an emotional exercise and a genuine test of their writing skills.

Others returned for the second or even third time, turning participation into a family tradition and a way of expressing their respect for the Romanian language.

“We Come Out of Respect and Love for the Romanian Language”

Participants spoke about the reasons why they choose to take part in the event. For some, the Romanian language represents an essential component of identity and culture, while words such as “doină,” “dor” and “colindă” are regarded as expressions of the Romanian linguistic heritage.

“I came to the National Dictation Event because we love the Romanian language, we speak Romanian, we feel in Romanian, and we probably have some of the most beautiful words that cannot be translated into other languages,” one participant said.

Another participant, who has also attended previous editions, described the event as a way of showing respect for those who fought for the return to the Latin script.

“I came out of great respect and love for our language, Romanian, for which we fought for many years. […] We want as many people as possible to come to the National Dictation, to love our Romanian language, to love the Latin script that we fought for,” the participant stated.

Accessibility for Participants with Visual Impairments

This year’s edition also included people with visual impairments. The Ministry of Education and Research provided the necessary conditions and materials to enable them to participate in the event.

The organizers thus sought to make the National Dictation accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their individual needs.

The Papers Will Be Assessed by a Special Committee

The papers submitted by participants will be assessed by a special committee established by the Ministry of Education and Research.

Those who achieve the best results will receive awards during a special ceremony.

A Tradition Since 2023

The National Dictation Event has been organized since 2023, under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.

The event aims to promote the Romanian language, encourage its correct use, and strengthen public interest in Romanian culture and linguistic heritage.