Kike Amonarriz
7-9-2024, BERRIA.
Abstract:
In this article, Basque sociolinguist Kike Amonarriz comments on Joan M. Serra’s book “L’us parlat del català en un tombant decisiu” (“The social use of Catalan at a decisive turning point”).
Various factors have led to an almost general decline in the use of Catalan in recent years. Despite still being the most widely spoken language of a stateless nation in Europe, in the Catalan Countries as a whole those who have Catalan as their habitual language are now a minority (43%). But this percentage drops in the large cities (Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca) to 30%. And even more so among the young population.
In his book, Joan M. Serra mentions that, if the current course of linguistic policies is not corrected, in the year 2075 only 20-25% will have Catalan as their habitual language in the Catalan Countries.
Mr Amonarriz stresses that something similar could happen to the Basque language if more ambitious language policies are not implemented.
