Catalan

BY JACK RUELLE

Interesting Info
Unlike popular belief, Catalan is NOT a dialect of Spanish. It is actually an
independently developed language, out of a type of Latin spoken by the Romans.

Language Spread
Originated in the area of Catalonia, located in Spain, in the
middle of the 14th Century
Locations such as Valencia, the Balearic Islands and
Andorra, as well as an eastern strip of the provinces of
Huesca, Zaragoza, and Terue speak Catalan
Catalan is the official language of Catalonia, as well as the
country of Andorra
Small locations in Italy and France also speak Catalan, and
the language is recognized as a minor language by these
locations

Geographic Patterns
Source- Developed from vulgar latin in Europe
Destinations- Moved across Italy and other locations in Europe due to the Roman
expansion, eventually found its way to Spain where it is centralized in a small
area called Catalonia.

Major Events Timeline

9th Century- Developed from vulgar latin
11th Century- Documents written in latin begin to show Catalan
events
11th and 12th Century- Catalan leaders expanded up to the north of
the Ebro river
Low Middle Ages- Catalan went through a golden age
1479- Spanish became more prestigious, but Catalan literature was
on a small decline.
1659- Spain gave the northern part of Catalonia to France
16th and 17th Century- Decline of Catalan continued
Present Day- Catalan has been institutionalized as an official
language, and is the sole official language of Andorra

Isogloss

Standard vs. Variant Languages

There are two variant dialects for Catalan; Balearic and Algherese. Balearic is
spoken in the Balearic Islands and the dialect is spoken by stressing eight
different vowels. Algherese is spoken in Italy, and focuses on three mid vowels.
Everyone else that speaks Catalan speaks the standard dialect.

Official Languages
There are three official languages of Catalonia (Area in Spain)
Catalan
Spanish (Official language of Spain)
Aranese (A dialect of Occitan spoken in the Aran Valley)
Also Catalan Sign Language is a recognized language in the area

Language and Territory

The Catalan language is the official language of the area of Catalonia and Andorra,
and is spoken in other locations such as France and Italy.

Toponyms

La Sagrada Familia - Church

La Casa Mila - Church
Camp Nou - FC Barcelona Stadium

Results of Diffusion

The region of Catalonia is attempting to secede from the nation of Spain due
to its self-sufficiency and minor language barrier (Spanish-Catalan). In many
experts opinions, if Catalonia did not speak Catalan, the succession would not
occur.