Interpersonal or private language uses in Catalonia. A balance and future prospects

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the various language policy actions aimed to foster the Catalan language in interpersonal uses. It also draws up an analytical balance and offers some proposals for the future. To begin with, a study is made of the actions carried out in an initial period, from 1981 to 2000, subdivided into two decades —the 1980s and the 1990s. Whereas the campaigns Norma (1981) and Depèn de vostè (que aquí es parli català...) were unfolded in the 1980s, in the following decade it was no longer considered appropriate to carry out this type of awareness actions. Subsequently, the opening decade of the 21st century saw a resumption of campaigns of this type, such as Tu ets mestre (2003), En català, tu hi guanyes (2003), Dóna corda al català (2005), El català va amb tu (2006) and Encomana el català (2009-2010). Promotion actions were also carried out, especially including the campaign Voluntariat per la Llengua. The paper concludes with a balance of the situation and a set of proposals for action in the future.

Key words: interpersonal language uses, language awareness campaigns, language policy.