What role does the Catalan language play in education in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, the Catalan language, known locally as "Mallorquí," plays a significant role in the education system. Following the autonomy of the Balearic Islands in 1983, a system was established that promotes Catalan as the primary language of instruction in schools. The Balearic government's educational policies emphasize the importance of Catalan to foster regional identity and cultural heritage.

In practice, students in public schools typically receive instruction in Catalan from an early age, with subjects ranging from language arts to mathematics being taught in this language. However, Spanish is also an important part of the curriculum, and students are often bilingual upon graduation. In recent years, there has been ongoing debate regarding the balance between Catalan and Spanish instruction, with some advocating for an increase in Spanish to improve students' proficiency in both languages.

Private education institutions may adopt different linguistic models, offering instruction primarily in Spanish or English, but many integrate Catalan within their programs. Overall, Catalan is central to the educational identity of Mallorca, reflecting broader cultural, social, and political dynamics within the region.