The Fight for the Hungarian Language during the Reform Era

Abstract

Between 1790 and 1844, the Hungarian language movement played a significant role in the half-century-long struggle for civil transformation. Until the end of the 18th century, Latin remained the official language in Hungary. The efforts to make Hungarian the official language – led by the privileged estates and an increasingly broad segment of the political nation – sought to establish it as the language of state administration, education, and legislation. During this period, the traditional political arena expanded: in addition to the Diet, which was dependent on the arbitrary will of the ruler, and the assemblies of the noble counties, the work of the so-called regular committees and the discussion of the draft laws prepared by them in the counties created an opportunity for the liberal opposition to organize.