A Day of Relaxation Turned into Controversy
On July 8, a father from Valencia had an unexpected experience during a visit to the pool in Benicalap with his children. In a moment that should be fun and relaxing, the family was immersed in a situation that sparked a debate about language rights.
The Incident at the Facilities
At 1 p.m., while they were trying to clean their lunchboxes, a pool employee called for the intervention of security personnel. The conversation, which began with the intention of resolving a doubt, turned into a conflict when the guard asked the father to speak in Spanish, arguing that he did not understand Catalan.
Defending Linguistic Rights
The father, firm in his position, replied that he would not change his language. “I’m not going to speak to him in Spanish, nor would I ask him to speak to me in Valencian,” he said, reaffirming his right to use his mother tongue. This response triggered an escalation of the situation.
Reactions and Consequences
After the father’s refusal, the person in charge of the installation intervened, also demanding that Spanish be spoken. The result was the expulsion of the family from the pool, despite the fact that the Local Police proved the father right when they were called to the situation. However, the officers could only offer the possibility of filing a formal complaint.
Legal Actions and Victim Support
The Platform for the Language has decided to act in the face of this incident, preparing a formal claim against Valencia City Council. According to the organization, several regulations have been violated, including the Statute of Autonomy and the Law on the Use and Teaching of the Valencian Language.
The Importance of Linguistic Defense
This situation highlights the need to be alert to any form of linguistic aggression. The Language Platform offers resources for those affected, including a complaints service that helps collect and advise victims of these incidents.
Final Reflections
The case of the Valencia family is not just an isolated incident, but a reflection of the tensions that can arise in the daily interaction between languages. It is essential that all citizens recognize and respect the linguistic rights of others, fostering an environment of coexistence that values cultural and linguistic diversity.