Here's a breakdown:
* Linguistically: Romanian and Moldavian are essentially the same language. They share a common origin, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. There are minor regional variations, but these are no more significant than differences between dialects of other languages (like American and British English).
* Politically:
* Moldova declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and adopted "Moldovan" as its official language. This was done to emphasize its distinct identity from Romania, with which it had been historically linked.
* Romania has always recognized its language as "Romanian."
* Practical Implications: While the languages are essentially the same, the political distinction can be seen in:
* Official documents: Moldovan official documents might use Cyrillic script (though Latin script is also used).
* National Identity: In Moldova, the use of "Moldovan" reinforces a sense of national identity separate from Romania.
In summary:
* Linguistically: Romanian and Moldavian are the same language.
* Politically: "Moldovan" is used to express a distinct national identity in Moldova.
It's important to note that many linguists and Romanians themselves consider the distinction between the two to be artificial and politically motivated.