Before studying in Barcelona, the only fact that I confidently knew about the Catalonia region was that they speak another language, in addition to Spanish. Now, after studying in Catalonia for a few months, I have begun to grown and understand this region and how unique it is compared to its Spanish counterparts. As I studied the region, I began to have more empathy and understanding for its desire to be apart from Spain. It is not just the language that is different, its everything from its culture, to political views and even personality of its people. Catalonian people have a sense of pride about who they are and where they are from, and this all stems back to their roots, before they even became a part of Spain.
I believe the story of Catalan is written through their fight to speak their own language. Spain became a unified country with the Catalonian region in the 15th century under the reign of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castille. Their marriage united both their regions into one. In the beginning, the region was allowed to speak their native language and practice their traditions. But, this freedom was short-lived. Depending on the king or dictator at the time, Catalans often times lost their right to speak Catalan in public. (Holland, 2009) This form of oppression was most recently seen during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. During the control of Franco, people were killed for speaking Catalan in public. In addition, parents couldn’t name their kids Catalan names such as Jordi or Josep and worst of all, they disrespected the language by classifying it as a dialect. (Carlin, 2017) The language oppression slowly came to an end with the death of Franco in 1975. Today, the region is free to speak their native language and practice their traditions. Catalan is currently the co-official language, taught in every school, and the basis of the Catalan identity. I believe that this persecution led to the pride around the Catalan language the exists today.
Looking back at history, it seems as if Catalonia has always been fighting for their identity – a fight we can see today in their desire to be independent from Spain. I was shocked coming to Barcelona and seeing how many people wore the yellow Catalan ribbon on their clothing, representing their desire for Catalonian independence. But, I’ve started to look past their outward sign of independence and started to understand that when people hang their Catalan flag on their balcony, it represents more than just political desires. Identify with Catalonia means claiming an identity. Catalans are known to have the values of entrepreneurship and hard work, values that have led to Catalonia’s current success. In addition, Catalans are known to have a certain type of energy. It’s demonstrated in their traditional game, “Casteller” or the human tower in English. According to Cultural Narratives, “The popularity of the “Casteller” is symbol of Catalan energy: taking risks, but planning carefully; reaching higher based on collective work, passion and expressivity; getting together but with a common goal.” (Abensour, n.d.) What I first thought was a niche competition that just a few Catalans participated in, I know realize aligns with the Catalan identity that this group of people holds so tightly to.
Overall, learning more about Catalonia, inside and outside of the class has allowed me to have a deeper understand and level of respect for this resilient region.
Sources:
Abensour, C. (n. d.). “Seny” or “rauxa”? Retrieved, 16 May 2018, from: http://www.abensourandpartners.com/232/
Carlin, J. (2017). Catalan independence: arrogance of Madrid explains this chaos. Retrieved, 16 May 2018, from: http://www.collectiuemma.cat/article/2813/catalan-independence-arrogance-of-madrid-explains-this-chaos-john-carlin-in-the-times
Holland, J. (2009). From Barcelona: What is a Catalan? Retrieved, 16 May 2018, from: https://www.expatica.com/es/insider-views/From-Barcelona-What-is-a-Catalan_103436.html
Kylie McCalmont 