The linguistic identity in danger
In recent years, a worrying turn has been observed in the discourse on Catalanism and Valencianism. Increasingly, it has fallen into an essentialism that limits language and culture to a simple matter of identity, forgetting the aspect of participation and inclusion. This trend has led to the creation of closed communities, where only those that fit a homogeneous story are accepted, thus excluding a great diversity of voices that could enrich the conversation.
A message of closing and involution
Nativism, manifested in Catalonia through figures such as Sílvia Orriols and his Catalan Alliance Party, is not a simple anecdotal phenomenon. It represents a political involution that seeks to turn the defense of Catalan into an exclusive cause. This attitude, focused on drawing borders between ‘ours’ and ‘others’, is unsustainable and risks the future of the language, making it an irrelevant element if it does not transform into an instrument of inclusion and emancipation.
A new educational perspective
The recent consultation on the use of Valencian as a vehicular language in the educational centers of the Valencian Country has illuminated a fundamental truth: the Valencian must not be only an inheritance, but a collective choice. At the CEIP Carme Miquel d’Algemesí, for example, the Valencian gained 88% of support, showing that the language can be adopted enthusiastically by diverse communities, including those with a high percentage of students of foreign origin.
Dismantling myths about the defense of the language
The results of the consultation belie the idea that only traditional Valencian speakers can be the guardians of the language. The reality is that Valencian can prosper and expand when perceived as a useful, accessible and shared tool. Its survival is not based on regretting its loss, but on the active use and offer of a space where everyone can feel included.
Valencian as an equality tool
In the past, in Catalonia, language immersion was a success thanks to the popular efforts and struggle of diverse families, including many immigrant origin. These families saw Catalan as an opportunity to ensure a better future for their children. Thus, the language became an instrument of equality and social cohesion, and now is the time to do so with Valencian.
Diversity as a value
Cultural and linguistic diversity does not represent a threat to Valencian, but its essence. Many Valencians, including myself, have grown up in an environment where multiple languages and cultures coexist. What really matters is the collective commitment to the language, which can be expressed not only by inheritance, but also by choice and militancy.
An inclusive future for Valencian
The fate of the Valencian should not depend on identity purism, but on its ability to adapt and be useful to everyone. It is essential to guarantee its presence in education, the media and the administration, as well as promote it as a welcome language. Those who try to limit Valencian to an exclusive identity are not only mistaken, but also contribute to their potential disappearance. In this sense, the Valencian must be a symbol of inclusion and a space for anyone who wants to be part of this rich cultural diversity.