A recent survey shows that a majority of Catalans feel that the use of the Catalan language is declining and anticipate further decreases in the future.
A new survey conducted by the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió (CEO) of the Generalitat reveals that 53% of Catalans believe the Catalan language is underutilized in their region. This perception marks a significant shift, as it is the first time since the inception of this survey in 2023 that more than half of respondents feel that the language is used little or not at all. In comparison, only 42% felt similarly in 2023, indicating a growing concern about the use of their native language.
Furthermore, the survey indicates that 52% of respondents predict that the use of Catalan will decline even further over the next five years. This finding raises alarms about the cultural preservation of the Catalan identity, especially considering its historical significance in the region. The survey was conducted between October and December and included a sample of 6,706 individuals over the age of 16, with a margin of error of +/- 1.18%.
Additionally, the survey touches upon changing sentiments toward foreign countries, noting a decrease in favorable views toward the United States, which have now fallen below those for China. These findings not only reflect a domestic perspective on language use but also a shift in how Catalans perceive international relationships, potentially influencing broader socio-political dynamics within the Catalan community and beyond.
