As a Catalan raised in a mosaic of cultures, I’ve found myself navigating the blurred lines of belonging while still staying true to my roots. My culture’s songs, traditions, and language have been my anchor in times of change. Yet, preserving Catalan identity is no easy task, especially when the foundation of our heritage – our language – faces systemic threats.

Catalonia’s history is one of resilience. Under the Franco regime, Catalan culture was ruthlessly suppressed. Our grandparents’ generation was forced to speak Castilian in schools, public spaces, and at home. If they spoke Catalan, they would be beaten or imprisoned. Despite the consequences, many families still spoke Catalan at home, and because of that, our language was saved. During these times, the youth fought hard to rebel against the system. My grandad was part of creating a Catalan newspaper called Caliu, but they were soon found out, and his friends were beaten by police and then imprisoned. When Franco died, we soon regained our autonomy, but during the last few years, echoes of Franco’s policies resurfaced. 

The Spanish government’s legal battles to limit Catalan in schools take us back to those oppressive times, reminding us that the survival of our culture is not guaranteed. The current push to reduce Catalan language quotas in education is not just a policy issue; it’s an existential threat. Schools are the heart of cultural transmission, where the next generation learns not just facts but their people’s stories, traditions, and identity. By marginalizing Catalan in education, the Spanish government risks erasing the identity of millions. Every summer, I return to Barcelona and notice the unsettling shift: my cousins speak Spanish with their friends, even when they all know Catalan. It has become the “safe” option, accommodating a growing number of peers who don’t learn or prioritize our language. Schools, unable to enforce robust Catalan language, are losing their role as cultural stewards. However, we can stop this. 

The survival of Catalan hinges on how we choose to live and advocate for it. First and foremost, we must make Catalan a part of our daily lives. Speak it with friends, family, and strangers. Normalize it as the language of choice in casual conversations, and resist the urge to default to Spanish out of convenience. By choosing Catalan, we assert its relevance. Schools must push back against policies that diminish Catalan’s role. Advocate for stronger language quotas, start cultural clubs, and collaborate with educators to integrate Catalan traditions into the curriculum. These efforts ensure that Catalan is not just a subject to study but a vibrant culture that connects the youth. Use social media to amplify Catalan culture. Share our songs, stories, and traditions with the world. Create content in Catalan—blogs, videos, or podcasts. Visibility matters, and the more we showcase Catalan globally, the more it will be recognized and respected. 

Immigrant communities in Catalonia present an opportunity, not a challenge. Welcome newcomers into our culture by teaching them Catalan and sharing our traditions. Building inclusive, multilingual communities strengthens the language and ensures it becomes a shared heritage, not an exclusive one. Finally, we must lean into our political power. Support organizations that defend linguistic and cultural rights. Write to lawmakers, sign petitions, and make your voice heard. Cultural preservation requires political action, and we cannot afford to remain silent.

Catalonia’s identity is rooted in its language. To lose Catalan is to lose more than words; it is to lose the stories, struggles, and dreams of people who have fought relentlessly for their place in the world. It is to erase the resilience of our grandparents, who risked everything so that we could speak freely.

The fight for Catalan is not just about preserving the past but about asserting a future where diversity and cultural richness are celebrated. We cannot wait for others to save our language. As the next generation, it is our responsibility to ensure it thrives.

Let us be the generation that speaks, teaches, and shares Catalan unapologetically. Let us be the ones who ensure that Catalonia’s voice is never silenced again.