How does the usage of Catalan vary among different generations in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, the usage of Catalan, particularly the local variant known as Mallorquí, demonstrates notable generational differences. Older generations, who grew up during Francisco Franco's regime (1939-1975), often experienced a suppression of Catalan language and culture; many of them tend to be more familiar with Spanish, particularly in urban settings. In contrast, younger generations are typically more engaged with Catalan due to its revitalization efforts in education and media since the late 20th century.

Since the early 1980s, Catalan has been recognized as one of the official languages in the Balearic Islands, leading to increased visibility and use in public life. Schools have incorporated Catalan into their curricula, resulting in a greater fluency among younger residents who often use it in casual settings and social interactions. However, there is also a noticeable divide within the youth based on social and economic factors; in some tourist-heavy areas, the prevalence of Spanish remains significant, influenced by the language of international visitors.

Overall, while Catalan usage has strengthened among the younger population, many older residents still retain a preference for Spanish, reflecting a complex sociolinguistic landscape in Mallorca.