Introduction

The term Vlachs has a rich and complex historical context, intertwined with the identities of various ethnic groups in eastern Europe, particularly in Romania. This article explores the origins and usage of the term Vlachs, clarifies the distinction between autonyms (self-designations) and exonyms (foreign designations), and highlights the significance of Romanian identity, especially in relation to the term Romanians.

The Origins of Vlachs

The term Vlachs has its roots in older times and is closely tied to the historical migration and integration of various groups, such as the Dacians, Romans, and Celts, in the region. The Dacians, who inhabited the Danube basin, were eventually assimilated into the Roman Empire, leading to the formation of a diverse population on the banks of the Danube.

Over time, this population was referred to as Vlachs, a term derived from the word for wolf, reflecting the cultural and perhaps even linguistic influences from the region. Notably, the term Vlach also extends to the Celts who had earlier settled in the Danube basin, themselves having roots in the Indo-European civilization of Central Europe. The earliest recorded term for Vlachs is Valk Vulcae, which provides a glimpse into the ancient origins of the name.

The Diversity of Romanian Identity

It is important to note that Vlachs are just one of several ethnic groups making up the modern Romanian nationality. This diversity reflects the complex history of the region, where various ethnicities have intermingled over centuries.

Like in many multinational states, the inhabitants of Romania refer to themselves using their specific ethnic designations. In the Romanian language, where someone is a national, they would be referred to as: Moldovan, ardelean, ungur, rom, secui, or regional designations such as bucovinean, oltean, and bnean. The term Romanianidad is used more in the context of the state or nationality rather than personal identity.

The Significance of Autonyms and Exonyms

When discussing the identity of the Romanian people, it is crucial to distinguish between autonyms and exonyms. An autonym is a term used by members of a group to describe themselves, whereas an exonym is a term used by outsiders to describe the group.

The modern Romanian identity is primarily based on the autonym Romanians, which reflects their historical and cultural roots tracing back to the Roman Empire. The term Vlachs is an exonym derived from medieval times and does not reflect the self-identity of modern-day Romanians. Similarly, other groups in Romania, such as Hungarians, Pechenegs, and others, have their own ethnic designations and similarly avoid the exonym Vlach when describing their community.

Comparative Perspectives on Autonym Usage

The concept of autonyms and exonyms is not unique to Romania. Throughout history, many societies have undergone similar transformations in their self-perception and external labeling. For example, the Germans refer to themselves as Deutsche, the Hungarians as Magyars, and the Byzantines called themselves Romans, rather than being known by exonyms like Germans, Hungarians, or Byzantines.

These examples highlight the cultural and linguistic evolution of self-identities and the importance of recognizing the distinction between autonyms and exonyms in understanding historical and contemporary identities.

Conclusion

The term Vlachs is an exonym for Romanian and other groups in the region. Modern Romanians, like many people in other multinational states, identify themselves using their specific ethnic designations. The term Romanians is their self-identity, reflecting their historical and cultural roots. Understanding the distinction between autonyms and exonyms is crucial for any accurate portrayal of Romanian identity and its evolution over time.