nyelvújítási

Nyelvújítási refers to the linguistic renewal movement that took place in Hungary, primarily during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This significant period aimed to modernize and expand the Hungarian language to meet the needs of a changing society, particularly in the realms of science, philosophy, and administration. Before the nyelvújítási, Hungarian was perceived by many educated elites as lacking the vocabulary and conceptual framework to express complex modern ideas, often relying on German or Latin loanwords.

The movement was driven by intellectuals, writers, and scholars who consciously created new words and expressions. This process involved several methods, including reviving archaic or forgotten Hungarian words, coining entirely new terms by combining existing roots (word-formation), and adapting words from other languages, though this last method was less emphasized than the internal development of Hungarian. Prominent figures associated with this era include Ferenc Kazinczy, who was a central organizer and advocate, and József Kiss.

The goals of nyelvújítási were multifaceted. Beyond simply increasing vocabulary, it sought to establish Hungarian as a language of high culture and intellectual discourse, equal to other major European languages. It also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national identity and pride by emphasizing the distinctiveness and potential of the Hungarian language. While the movement was not without its critics and debates regarding the appropriateness and naturalness of some neologisms, its overall impact was profound, shaping the modern Hungarian language that is spoken today.