Undergraduate Menu
Catalan Language
Lancaster is one of only a handful of British universities where you can learn Catalan. Courses in Catalan language are available as option courses in the second and final year of study and can be included in a wide variety of degree schemes. You do not have to have studied Spanish to take Catalan.
- DELC 201: Catalan Language Level 1 (Second Year Beginners' course)
- DELC 301: Catalan Language Level 2 (Final Year continuation of Level 1)
FAQs about Studying Catalan
Q: How many people speak Catalan?
A: Depends whose statistics you believe! It's safe to say that about 7 million people speak Catalan in their daily life, although another 3 million or so might have some knowledge of it. More people speak Catalan than speak certain more recognised European languages, such as Danish.
Q: Where is it spoken?
A: It is mainly spoken in Spain (Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands), and Andorra, although there are some speakers in the south of France (around Perpignan), and even a town on the Italian island of Sardinia (L'Alguer)!
Q: Is it a dialect of Spanish?
A: No. Catalan developed separately, although both languages are derived from Latin. Catalan is as different from Spanish as Portuguese or Italian are.
Q: Is it an official language anywhere?
A: It is the official language of Andorra, and is co-official with Spanish in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia. The Autonomous Governments of these regions promote and support the use of Catalan and its dialects. It is widely spoken, esp. in Catalonia.
Q: Are there newspapers, literature, television etc. in Catalan?
A: Yes. About 6000 new books are published in Catalan each year, and there are newspapers, TV channels and radio stations which are totally in Catalan. Catalan culture is very strong and vibrant.
Q: Why should I study Catalan?
A: The following might be some good reasons to study Catalan:
- you might be interested in knowing something about a minority European language and culture which is flourishing against all the odds.
- you might be interested to see how Catalan relates to, and differs from, Spanish and French, for example.
- the language is becoming increasingly important for business, especially in Barcelona, and might have a greater role in European matters in the future.
- curiosity to try something a bit different!
Degree Schemes
Single Major in French, German or Spanish
Combined Majors in two languages (French, German and Spanish)
Combined Majors in three languages (French, German, Italian and Spanish)
Combined Majors with a non-language
European Languages and Film Studies
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