Language and modernity: communication and the educational and social use of Catalan. The Escola Valenciana experience

Abstract

Escola Valenciana is a civic organisation formed by twenty-four regional associations that has created an educational system in which Valencian Catalan is the medium of instruction. Beyond its use of the language, however, this organisation stands out for its educational quality. Escola Valenciana bases itself on three essential concepts: the inseparability of language and modernity, communication as an indispensable tool for linguistic normalisation, and the need for innovation in the educational system. Aware of the importance of ICTs in today’s society, Escola Valenciana maintains an active presence on the Internet, in online social networks and in traditional communication media. It has spread a discourse that is open to plurilingualism and tolerant with social diversity. This spirit of modernisation is also patent in its classrooms where it has effectively linked language, quality and innovation. This paper describes the birth and evolution of Escola Valenciana and the actions that have made this organisation a fundamental pillar of the social, educational and political life of the Valencian Country.

Key words: social use of Catalan, children, youth, teaching, education.