A different linguistic point of view
Recently, I listened with great interest to the words of Mònica Montserrat, a language expert and university professor, who proposed a refreshing view on Castilianisms in certain circumstances. This prospect suddenly captivated me, switching my attention from the mobile screen to the television, eyes wide open. I thought at once that Pompey, my dog, had heard nothing. I hoped that those voices critical of TV3 for not using pure Catalan in some of the programs, had not paid attention.
The conscious use of Castilianisms
The linguist argued that the deliberate use of a Castilianism, clearly identifying it as foreign, did not damage the language or its ‘purity’. He claimed that knowing how to use Castilianisms in the right context was not ‘dangerous’, but added nuances and richness to the language.
The functionality of Castilianisms in speech
Despite the importance of maintaining linguistic correctness, sometimes the use of a Castilianism can enrich the message, add humor or provide proximity to the recipient. This practice, done consciously, should not be considered an error, but an alternative for expressive purposes.
The perception and acceptance of Castilianisms
In most cases, both senders and receivers of messages with Spanish words are aware of the linguistic incorrectness, without this posing a danger. This tonality added to the speech, in a colloquial context, does not affect the overall linguistic rules.
The historical debate on Catalan
Historically, disputes over linguistic variation in Catalan have been present, from the 19th century until today. Today, linguistic diversity is valued and it is encouraged to respect the different variants, while maintaining correctness.
Conclusion: a more open view
Maintaining the linguistic regulations is fundamental, but recognizing the occasional use of Castilianisms as an expressive tool should not be rejected. This diversity enriches the language and brings nuances to the speech.
Jaume Pagès: an encouraging end
The reflections of Jaume Pagès invite us to accept linguistic diversity with understanding and to value Castilianism as a valid expressive alternative.
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