Catalan and Castilian in School

Abstract

Catalan, which in the Middle Ages was the means of expression of an important political community and vehicle of a magnificent literature, managed to resist adverse historical circumstances over several centuries and retain its character as a language for everyday use. This was to last until the nineteenth century, when it underwent a Renaissance linked with Catalonia’s economic development and a renewed political consciousness. At this time, Catalonia has ample political autonomy and its own government. As far as language is concerned, not only does Catalan share with Castilian or Spanish the nature of official language throughout Catalonia but the Catalan government and public institutions have also come out strongly in support of the Catalan language and the culture in which it finds expression.