Do we save the language or pretend we are trying?

A few days ago I received an interview published in the newspaper Berria starring Irish sociolinguist Conchúr Ó Giollagáin. The name may sound unfamiliar, but the man is no amateur: born in Dublin in 1966, he's a professor of Gaelic research at the University of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, a veteran of minority language studies. In short, he knows what he's talking about.

The interview starts off strong: in his opinion, the language policies implemented in Europe—and also here—are based on a huge error. There's a lot of talk about "normalization" and "promotion," but they avoid addressing the main problem: the real and constant loss of living speakers. And this, in Mallorca, is confirmed every day. Just look at some towns in the Pla (Pla), where just twenty years ago almost everyone spoke Catalan and today Spanish has already gained significant ground. It's no mystery. In many areas of the island, the language has been maintained out of inertia, not out of a clear awareness of its value. Catalan was spoken because "it's always been done that way," but when that habit is broken, there's nothing left behind to sustain it. To be clear: most Mallorcans don't hate Catalan, but they don't see it as an essential language either. They consider it less useful, less important. And if you see it as a second-class language, inevitably, you also end up experiencing it as a second-class language.

Now, not everything is blame. Linguists recognize that tools such as education, media, and new technologies can help revitalize the language. But that's why it's necessary to adapt to the real needs of speakers, because not all are the same. Consequently, a homogeneous language policy cannot be implemented. Because someone who uses Catalan only in the classroom is not the same as someone who uses it because it's spoken in their village. The former may use it occasionally, understand its symbolic value, and even love and protect it like someone who cares for koalas... but it's the latter who keeps the language alive. And this is the key. If public policies ignore this—as often happens—we end up leaving those who most sustain the language unprotected: the towns and neighborhoods where Catalan is still the majority.

Ó Giollagáin's message may be uncomfortable, but it is clear and necessary: minority languages only have a future if they strengthen their last bastions. It's that simple. We won't fix it with vocabulary apps, or with influencers to say "good morning," or with videos that want to make us smile. If we don't have vibrant communities that use language every day, we don't have a language.

And in the face of this, what do the institutions do? Gone are the same old things: symbolic promotion. Subsidies, conferences, campaigns, awards... All very polished, very institutional, but it serves to avoid facing the real problems: the loss of social use of Catalan and the constant hostility of a state that doesn't tolerate differences.

Personally, I think Conchúr Ó Giollagáin is right. A few weeks ago I wrote that it was necessary to rethink MallorcanismI stand by it. In fact, I'll repeat it as many times as necessary. Not out of hatred or betrayal, but to free ourselves from inertia that no longer serves us.

We must get to work immediately, because although there are no magic formulas, the path is clear. We must strengthen the bastions, that is, those towns and social spaces where Catalan is still spoken naturally. And it's important to keep in mind that a bastion is not just a physical location. It can also be a leisure club, a school, a theater group, or a nightlife area. Any space where the language is not only learned, but lived. Where it's present in everyday life, useful, and fun.

There's work to be done. A lot of it. In areas where Catalan is still the majority language, bold action is needed: municipal regulations and real plans to maintain its presence in businesses, organizations, and streets. And no, this isn't just about courses for newcomers. And in areas where Catalan has already lost ground, it's time to wake up and understand that it's necessary to be clear and firm to protect the areas where it's spoken naturally.spoiler(It's not school). We need social spaces: esplais, concerts, sports clubs, and activities for children and young people, all 100% in Catalan. Fewer demonstrations and more leisure time instructors. No excuses or hang-ups. These activities must be monolingual, because if Catalan isn't central, it simply disappears.

Furthermore, this must be accompanied by a brutal educational effort. But the real kind. Because it's no longer Catalan that keeps the nation of Mallorcans alive; it's the nation that must move its ass if we want Catalan to survive. Be alert, because this is important. It's a paradigm shift. And the organizations that defend Catalan should take note. Thus, we must tell Catalan speakers: "You are an oppressed people, wake up!" and those who speak Spanish, English, Arabic, etc., too. So that we are clear that there is a State that does everything possible to prevent them from feeling part of that community. Remember: they want us divided, silent, and at odds.

In short, the Mallorcan movement must wake up, and everyone from El Pi to Plataforma per la Llengua must reflect. We can't resign ourselves and think all is lost, but neither can we pretend everything is fine. If we don't get our act together, Catalan won't die, but it will be reduced to a hobby, like making pottery or playing the recorder. We therefore need a shift. Quick, profound, and radical. The future of our language depends on whether we get our act together or continue playing at saving it. You decide.