írásbeliség

írásbeliség refers to the concept of literacy in Hungarian, encompassing both the ability to read and write in the Hungarian language and the broader cultural and historical significance of written communication within Hungarian-speaking communities. The term highlights the importance of literacy as a tool for preserving and transmitting Hungarian language, literature, and identity across generations.

The development of Hungarian literacy is deeply tied to the country’s historical and linguistic evolution. The Hungarian language, an Uralic language distinct from Indo-European tongues, has its own unique script, the Latin-based Hungarian alphabet, which was standardized in the 16th century. Early efforts to promote literacy were often linked to religious and educational reforms, particularly during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation periods, when the printing press facilitated the spread of written materials in Hungarian.

Literacy in Hungary has played a crucial role in shaping national consciousness. The 19th-century Hungarian National Revival (*Magyar Nemzeti Szállás*) emphasized the importance of education and written language as pillars of cultural independence. Figures like Ferenc Kazinczy and János Arany contributed significantly to the development of modern Hungarian prose and poetry, reinforcing the idea that literacy was essential for national progress.

Today, Hungarian literacy remains a cornerstone of education, with a near-universal literacy rate. The concept of *írásbeliség* continues to be relevant in discussions about language preservation, digital communication, and the role of writing in maintaining cultural heritage. It also underscores the challenges of maintaining linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalized world.