The official languages of Spain

Many people don't realise that there are many languages spoken in Spain. When I lived in Burgos nobody ever seemed to use the word "español" they would always say "castellano" which is the language which is generally refered to as Spanish.  However, it is fairly safe to say that 99% of the people who live in Spain understand "castellano" (castillian Spanish).  Most of the other languages are variations of Spanish based on latin and a person from Andalucia could probably understand about half of what is being said in Catalan. The exception is Basque (Euskara) which is spoken in the Basque country (in the top right hand part of Spain) It is totally unconnected with any other langauge and the origins of Basque are a mystery. Most non Basques would not understand a single word of Basque.

Since the end of the Franco period (la dictadura - the dictatorship) There has been much more respect for the minority languages spoken in the autonomous regions. For example, if you have children and go to live in  Valencia, some of their classes at school will be in Valencian. There is a lot of legislation in place protecting the local languages. This is in contrast to the Franco period when it was illegal to speak in Basque and Catalan.

In Catalonia, for example Barcelona,  there is more separatist tension between the Catalans and the rest of Spain. So, if as a foreigner you go into a shop and try to practice your Spanish they may answer you in Catalan or even in English. If you want to learn Spanish (castellano) it is probably  not good idea to go to somewhere where they speak a lot of Catalan because it can be very confusing.  

Official Languages of Spain:
Castilian (Spanish) – Official nationwide.
Catalan / Valencian – Co-official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community.
Galician – Co-official in Galicia.
Basque (Euskara) – Co-official in the Basque Country and parts of Navarre.
Aranese (Occitan) – Co-official in the Val d'Aran (Catalonia).

This is how you translate "Hello, my name is John. I live in Spain" into all the official languages. 

Spanish (Castilian):
Hola, me llamo John. Vivo en España.

Catalan / Valencian:
Hola, em dic John. Visc a Espanya.

Galician:
Ola, chámome John. Vivo en España.

Basque (Euskara):
Kaixo, John naiz. Espainian bizi naiz.

Aranese (Occitan):
Bon dia, me soi John. Vivi en Espanha.

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Last Modified on April 30th, 2025
Created on April 30th, 2025
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