Language policy and national identity: the case of Catalonia after the transition to democracy

Abstract

My final dissertation deals with Catalan nationalism and the impact of the language policies adopted in Catalonia after the entry into force of the Spanish Constitution in 1978. In the first chapter I illustrate the contemporary debate on nationalism, comparing different theories and focusing on the social-constructivist approach. I conclude the chapter by stressing the relationship between language and nationalism thus mentioning the case of peripheral nationalisms. In the second chapter I introduce the historical premises that led Catalonia to adopt a concrete political strategy in the linguistic field. Precisely, I draw attention to the Francoist period and the cultural repression suffered by Catalonia during the years of dictatorship. I conclude by explaining the reasons that allowed linguistic minorities to survive, despite the persecutions perpetrated by the regime. Finally, in the third chapter I approach the issue of Catalan language within the new democratic framework. I introduce the topic by comparing some articles of the two legal instruments that has enabled to start a process of language revitalisation: the Spanish Constitution and the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia. Therefore, I present the linguistic normalisation plan implemented by the Spanish region and the consequent social repercussions. I conclude by considering the implications of such linguistic policies for the Catalan national identity.