by Carol James
It is not surprising that the language that is universal and official in Spain is Spanish. The actual situation is however not as simple as that because the language question in Spain is a little controversial. Spanish belongs to a class of languages called Romance languages. Other ones in the group are Romanian, French, Catalan, Portuguese, Occitan, Italian, French as well as Galician. Spanish is the major branch of the family. People who live outside Castile call Spanish Castilian.
In different parts of Spain, there are other languages spoken including Asturian, Catalan, Galician and Basque among others. In respective regions, you may find that these languages are quite dominant and the country's constitution legalizes some of them as official languages. Galician, Basque, and Catalan are recognized as the official languages according to the constitutional provisions.
The Basque language has its origins quite debated, because of the ancient time of its emergence. But all other languages spoken on the Iberian Peninsula belong to the Romance family, so this one is referred to this group too. For a person who knows Castilian, it is very easy to pick the other languages up.
To be in a better position when you are traveling in Spain, get to learn some words of local languages as well as Spanish to be able to get along with the locals easily. Spaniards appreciate any foreigner who is interested in their language, and you will be very endeared to them if you make an effort. Meanwhile, if you have any problems with writing your assignments, feel free to ask EssayLab to help you in time.
Catalan is very distinct and is very similar to Castilian. It is related to Romance languages group and is close to the Occitan branch. It has its origin in Northeastern part of Spain located not far from France. So, when you listen to Catalan, you may think it is a cross of French and Castilian, but it is a language in its own right. It is spoken mostly in the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and Catalonia and is considered as an official in Andorra.
Galician is close to Portuguese. It is explained that it is spoken mainly in Asturias and Galicia located near Portugal. Moreover, these regions were one state during the medieval times. It is the official language for over 2.6 million Galicians.
Austrian is referred to West Iberian group, thus is considered as Romance language. It is spoken in Asturias located in the northern territory of Spain between Galicia and the Basque region. However, you can hear this dialect even in Leon and Salamanca. Generally, Austrian has approximately 100.000 native language speakers. The language has a semi-official status. It is however not recognized by the constitution as an official language.
Aragonese is yet another popular language spoken in the north of Aragon valleys of the Pyrenees. It is not an official language and is a close relative of Catalan. The language is used vigorously in the Pyrenees villages while some people confuse it with Castilian. It is enough young language that originated from ancient Navarro-Aragonese dialect.
Aranese is an official language recognized in Catalina but not Spain. It is spoken in Aram valley of Catalonia next the border with France along with Castilian and Catalan. It has been estimated near 5.000 people spoken this dialect. It is related to languages such as the Catalan language as well as Limousin dialect.
Last but not least is Valencian language, that is official in the region Valencia. It has over 2 million native speakers. However, it is considered as a variety of Catalan by most linguists.
So, if you're going to travel to Spain, then you should be aware of the spoken language of that region to avoid any inconvenient situations and difficulties. However, if you know Spanish or English, then it will be quite easy for you to communicate in all public places in this country.
Meanwhile, if you have any problems with writing your assignments, feel free to ask EssayLab to help you.
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