Teaching in Catalan in Northern Catalonia: the first step towards a possible sociolinguistic reversion

Abstract

Given the lack of research on the replacement of the Catalan language with French in Northern Catalonia, it is impossible to ascertain with any precision the status of Catalan or its actual
use in this region. The French legal framework, combined with the lack of awareness and political interest of the local administrations, hinder the development of a language policy that explicitly promotes Catalan. The use of Catalan as the language of instruction is slowly taking root, and its further development is absolutely essential in order for there to be any possible reversal of the status of Catalan in this society.

Key words: language shift, language policy, bilingual education, Catalan teaching, legal framework, regional languages, minority languages, linguistic reversal, Northern Catalonia sociolinguistics.