A new perspective on Castilianisms
Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to the words of Mònica Montserrat, a linguist and university professor, who has raised a different vision about Castilianisms in Catalan. Contrary to what has been said so far, Montserrat argues that in certain circumstances, Castilianisms are not as serious a problem as has been believed. This new perspective surprised me and made me reflect on the importance of linguistic diversity.
The value of the context and the message
Montserrat defends that the use of Castilianisms in Catalan can bring added meaning to the message and enrich communication. According to her, when a Castilianism is used consciously, it can be clearly identified as a non-Catalan word and add a connotation that has no equivalent in our language. This allows the word to be delimited and defined as foreign, without causing any irreparable damage to the language. It is important to note that this conscious use of Spanish is only valid in certain registers and contexts.
The importance of correctness and linguistic diversity
It is indisputable that since the establishment of the rules of Catalan and the creation of the Institut d’Estudis Catalans, work has been done to speak and write the language with maximum correctness and respecting its own words, expressions and syntactic constructions . This is essential for the preservation and evolution of the language. However, Montserrat reminds us that in certain cases, the use of Castilianisms can bring added value to the message, increase its grace or provide proximity. This conscious use of Spanish should not be considered a mortal sin, but a way of playing with the language and enriching communication.
The importance of colloquial context
Montserrat also points out that the use of Castilianisms in Catalan occurs mainly in colloquial contexts, where they are accepted and understood by the majority of speakers. In these contexts, the use of a Castilianism can add a connotation of old age, old-fashionedness, accessibility or even pretended ignorance or disdain for the norm. This causes the meaning of the expression to gain nuances or change, bringing a touch of grace and authenticity to the conversation.
The importance of linguistic diversity
In conclusion, it is important to recognize that linguistic diversity is a value to be preserved. Although it is essential to speak and write Catalan correctly and respect your own words, expressions and syntactic constructions, it is also important to accept that in certain cases, the use of Castilianisms can bring added value to the message and enrich communication. This conscious use of Spanish should not be considered a mortal sin, but a way of playing with the language and adding nuances and authenticity to the conversation.
