Rmânic

Rmânic is a term that historically referred to a distinct group of Romance-speaking peoples in the Balkan Peninsula. These communities are often associated with the Aromanians, also known as Macedo-Romanians, and sometimes also encompasses the Megleno-Romanians and the Istro-Romanians. The core of their identity lies in their use of a unique Eastern Romance language, distinct from Daco-Romanian (spoken in Romania and Moldova) and Italian. The Rmânic languages share common roots but have evolved separately due to geographical isolation and different historical influences.

These communities traditionally inhabited dispersed settlements across mountainous regions of Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Historically, they were often pastoralists and merchants, with a strong tradition of transhumance. Their social organization was often characterized by distinct village communities and a shared cultural heritage that included specific customs, music, and folklore. The term "Rmânic" itself derives from the Latin word "Romanus," reflecting their Roman ancestry. Due to emigration and assimilation, the number of native speakers of Rmânic languages has declined significantly over the past century. Efforts are ongoing in some communities to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage.