Sociolinguistic Situation in Spain: Protection of Language and Nation

Abstract

Te article analyzes the influence of the processes of globalization and regionalism on the sociolinguistic situation of minority languages that obtain a special value as the sole and main depositories of the national culture. As national minorities begin to claim their linguistic rights, the international community addresses the problem at all levels: community, national and regional. It examines the linguistic situation in Spain, which is considered one of the European countries that best preserves and promotes regional and minority languages, as well as in Catalonia, where the most intense focus of linguistic tension in the EU is currently observed. As the analysis of the current state of the co-ofcial and minority languages operating in Spanish territory shows, the struggle for languages is won in Spain. Its linguistic policy has been fruitful, but, at the same time, it has produced a series of dangerous consequences for the stability and integrity of the Spanish state itself. What now remains for Spain is to undertake the difcult task of preserving itself. Te progressive weakening of the strong ties that previously held the Spanish state together, the erosion of the concept of the sovereign national state and the delegation of the main public powers to a supranational structure have served to give a strong boost to nationalism and reactivate the Catalan independence movement. Terefore, today the State language policy, which is of special importance, must be highly balanced and guided by long-established national interests.