Galician Language: History, Evolution, and Current Status
History of the Galician Language in the 20th Century
Before the Civil War
This period saw two opposing processes regarding the legacy of the previous century:
- The upper classes began to abandon Galician, a trend later followed by the lower classes. As people moved from rural areas to cities, and due to emigration, the Galician-speaking population decreased significantly.
- Efforts were made for Galician language recovery, not only for literary use but also for social activities. This led to the creation of the Real Academia Galega (Royal Galician Academy).
- Key initiatives included the Brotherhood of Speech, the Grupo Nós (Group Us), and the Seminario de Estudos Galegos (Seminar of Galician Studies). The Statute of Autonomy of 1936 permanently recognized the right to use the Galician language.
After the Civil War: The Franco Regime
The post-Civil War period under the Franco regime was marked by severe repression. Galicia became a cultural desert where the Galician language was suppressed, often only used within the home. However, by the 1950s, efforts for recovery began, leading to:
- The establishment of Editorial Galaxia.
- The creation of Galician Literature Day.
- The emergence of various cultural associations dedicated to the language.
Castilian (Spanish) was systematically introduced into all aspects of life across the country.
Democracy to the Present Day
With the advent of democracy, the adoption of the Spanish Constitution, the Statute of Autonomy of Galicia, and the Law of Linguistic Standardization paved the way for the Galician language. While these measures opened new avenues for its use, there has been a noticeable decrease in its use among young people.
Geographical Varieties of Galician
Unity and Diversity in Language
The differences in how a language is spoken across various geographical areas are known as linguistic varieties. Galician exhibits specific characteristics, including:
- Gheada: The pronunciation of ‘g’ as an aspirated ‘h’ sound (similar to English ‘h’).
- Seseo: The pronunciation of ‘c’ (before ‘e’ or ‘i’) and ‘z’ as an ‘s’ sound, common in some areas, similar to Andalusian Spanish.
The Standard Galician Language
Some speakers may not adhere strictly to all linguistic norms or may use different vocabulary, which does not imply speaking “incorrectly” but rather reflects a different variety of the language. The standard language provides a common reference for formal and written communication.
The Galician Language Today
With the advent of democracy, Galician gained official recognition. The right of Galician speakers to use their language was affirmed, along with the obligation of public administrations to use it, as enshrined in the Law of Linguistic Standardization.
Scopes and Contexts of Use
Galician has progressively regained its social presence and is now widely used in:
- Political life and public administration.
- Educational institutions.
- Mass media (television, radio, newspapers).
Factors for Linguistic Normalization
The normalization and promotion of Galician depend on three key factors:
- Institutional Action: Governments and public bodies have a crucial role in supporting and promoting the language, especially as a minority language.
- Collective Action: Concerned citizens form associations and groups to actively defend and promote the language.
- Individual Action: Each speaker’s commitment to using Galician in their daily life is fundamental for its vitality.
Spain: A Multilingual State
Languages and States
While some countries are monolingual, Spain is a plurilingual nation. It boasts multiple co-official languages, each protected by the Spanish Constitution and various Statutes of Autonomy.
Languages of Spain
In addition to Castilian Spanish, other widely spoken languages in Spain include:
- Galician
- Basque
- Catalan (including Valencian and Balearic dialects)
- Aragonese
- Asturian
- Aranese (Occitan dialect)
Each of these languages enjoys distinct legal protection and recognition within its respective autonomous community.
Vitality of Minority Languages
Legal recognition is closely linked to the vitality of minority languages. These languages often require special support and protective measures to ensure their survival and development in a diverse linguistic landscape.