Catalan Language and Cultural Survival
Catalonia is a region in the northeast area of Spain and partially in France. Barcelona is located in this region currently, although Barcelona was once a Roman colony. It is the official language of many different states and “The main expansion of Catalan occurs during the reign of King James I, in the thirteenth century, when it conquers the Kingdom of Valencia and Mallorca” (Lull, 2009).
The languages of Catalan and Spanish took shape simultaneously. “Catalan, a Romanic language, is Catalonia's own original language. Between the 10th and 11th centuries, the Catalan language was already formed and clearly distinguished from its Latin source” (Barcelona.com, n.d.,). Catalonians still speak Catalan to this day as they see it as an inseparable part of their culture. Spanish is still the other official language of the land, but, for historical and political reasons, Catalonians would much prefer to stay true to their Catalan roots, instead of Spanish ones. (Barcelona.com, n.d.,).
The first two images have text from the Pablo Picasso Museum in Catalan and English. The third photo was taken inside La Sagrada Familia and is the ‘Our Father’ prayer in Catalan, surrounded by the prayer in other languages.
From observing the Catalan natives, they have much respect for their culture and are happy that they are different from the rest of Spain. They also have very strong opinions on how they believe politics and the government should run. I can see where this passion and polarized opinions come from, especially after learning about how the Franco regime treated Catalonians. I also think that it is great how Barça has been used as a uniting force. Europeans do not take soccer lightly, so the fact that they have this team on their side gives Catalonia representation in this near-sacred game.
Here are photos from my two Barça games. The first I got great seats behind the goal. The other, my friends and I got a great view of the game!
One famous Catalan symbol is La Rambla, which more than a tourist hot spot, has great historical significance to locals whose families have been there for generations. Also, the ports and sea were very important when it was a Roman colony, as well as with the fishing business. Now, the beaches are great for tourism - although that is a whole different problem to tackle. (Catalunya, 2011).
These photos were both taken on La Rambla. One showcases artwork of La Ramble. The other shows that La Rambla was nearly empty on March 14 during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources
Barcelona.com Inc. (n.d.). Bilingualism: Catalan is the official language in Catalonia. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_city_guide/references_marks/traditions/bilingualism
Catalunya Experience. (2011, January 19). Catalunya, Cataluña, Catalogne, Catalonia [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVV3yAX3xM8.
Llull, F. R. (2009, May 25). Fundació Ramon Llull. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from http://4cats.llull.cat/4cats/detall.cfm/CAPITOL/1/ID/26492/CAT/ja-hi-som-tots.html