Where does the term romantic languages come from?

The term "Romantic languages" comes from the revival of interest in Latin literature and culture during the Renaissance, which is often called the Romantic period.

Here's a breakdown:

* Renaissance: This period, starting in the 14th century, saw a renewed appreciation for classical Roman culture, including its language, Latin.

* Romance languages: The languages that evolved from Latin were seen as having a direct connection to this romanticized past. They were considered "romantic" because they were descendants of the language of love, poetry, and literature, spoken in ancient Rome.

* Linguistic connection: It was recognized that these languages shared a common ancestor, making them part of a related family.

Examples of Romantic languages:

* French

* Spanish

* Portuguese

* Italian

* Romanian

* Catalan

* Occitan

* Sardinian

* Romansh

While the term "Romantic languages" is still widely used, it's important to note that it's not without its limitations. The term "Romance languages" is more accurate and widely accepted in linguistics.