An unusual crisis
In these turbulent times, a crisis of vocations is shaking the academic world. But this time it is not a religious crisis, but a philological one. It is surprising how the lack of priestly vocations coincides with the decrease in students who choose to study Catalan philology. These students intend to dedicate themselves to teaching the language, in a similar evangelistic mission. However, this vocation seems to be in danger, as mainstream linguistic atheism does not attract young people as it once did. (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/)
A deep-rooted crisis
The crisis of philological vocations has its roots in the lack of attraction towards an idea or belief. Today, God and language are no longer forces that call to those who might feel called to devote themselves to them. To preach the word of God and the word of Fabra is to go against the current, especially in regions such as the Valencian Country and the Islands. This situation is worrying, as we are losing Catalan teachers at a time when they are needed more than ever. (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/)
A possible solution
But maybe there is a solution. In many universities around the world, there are foreign students who learn Catalan. Just as there are Catalan teachers who teach English, why shouldn’t there be English teachers who come to teach Catalan? This could be a way to make up for the lack of Catalan teachers and keep our language alive. One has to wonder why so many young Catalans reject the opportunity of a career with an immediate professional exit, a fixed salary and a noble goal. (https://correccioencatala.cat/com-estructura-text-catala/)
A crisis that affects everyone
The crisis of vocations does not only affect chaplains and Catalan teachers, but also other areas such as plumbers, farmers, neighborhood associations and even politicians willing to dialogue. It is a crisis that affects us all and that must be approached with seriousness and determination.
