How widely is the Catalan language spoken among different age groups in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, Catalan, referred to as "Mallorquí," is widely spoken among various age groups, although proficiency and usage can vary. According to the Balearic government's language policy, around 80% of the population can understand Catalan, and about half use it regularly in daily life, particularly among older generations who were educated in the language. In rural areas, older residents are more likely to speak Catalan as their first language, reflecting the island's cultural heritage.

Among younger people, the use of Catalan can be less consistent, influenced by greater exposure to Spanish and English through media and education. While the local education system mandates the teaching of Catalan, many young people speak it as a second language, fluctuating in their active usage based on their social circles. Efforts by the government and local organizations continue to promote the language, resulting in a gradual increase in its use among younger generations. Nonetheless, the prevalence of Spanish, particularly in urban settings, poses challenges to maintaining robust Catalan fluency across all age demographics.