If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, you might be wondering whether you should learn Spanish or Catalan. Both languages are spoken in the city, and while Spanish is more widely used, Catalan has a strong cultural and historical significance in the region. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two languages and help you decide which one to learn.
What is Spanish?
Spanish is a Romance language that originated in Spain and later spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America and parts of Africa and Asia. It’s the second most spoken language in the world after Chinese Mandarin, with over 500 million speakers worldwide.
In Barcelona, Spanish is widely spoken as a second language due to its history as a part of Spain. It’s also the official language of the country and is taught in schools. If you plan on traveling to other parts of Spain or Latin America, learning Spanish would be very useful.
What is Catalan?
Catalan is a Romance language that originated in Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeastern Spain. It’s spoken by around 10 million people worldwide, mainly in Catalonia but also in Valencia, Balearic Islands, Andorra, and the Roussillon region of France.
Catalan has a strong cultural and historical significance in Catalonia. It was banned during Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975) but resurged after his death as a symbol of regional identity. Today it’s taught in schools alongside Spanish and has official status in Catalonia.
Which one should you learn?
If your goal is to communicate with locals while visiting Barcelona or traveling around Spain, learning Spanish would be more practical as it’s more widely spoken. However, if you’re interested in the culture and history of Catalonia or plan on staying for an extended period of time, learning Catalan would be beneficial.
It’s worth noting that many locals in Barcelona can speak both languages fluently, and some might prefer to use Catalan as a way of expressing their regional identity. However, they’ll be able to switch to Spanish if needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you should learn Spanish or Catalan depends on your goals and interests. Spanish is more practical for communication while traveling, but Catalan has a strong cultural and historical significance. Regardless of which language you choose, learning a new language is always a valuable experience that opens up new perspectives and opportunities.
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