What historical factors contributed to the spread of the Catalan language?

The spread of the Catalan language in Mallorca, as well as in other parts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, can be attributed to several historical factors. The Catalan language evolved from Vulgar Latin due to the Roman conquest of the region in the 1st century BC, which laid the foundation for its development. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the area experienced the influence of the Visigoths and the subsequent Arab domination from the 8th to the 13th centuries, although Arabic did not significantly affect the Catalan language directly.

The 13th century marked a pivotal moment when King Jaume I of Aragon conquered Mallorca in 1229, leading to the establishment of a Catalan-speaking administration. This important historical event rekindled the linguistic and cultural identity of the Catalan people. The language gained prominence in legal, literary, and administrative contexts, particularly during the medieval period, when the Crown of Aragon expanded its influence across the Mediterranean, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Additionally, the establishment of universities and the flourishing of literature in the Catalan language during the late medieval period further solidified its status. The 20th century saw a revitalization of the language, particularly under the Catalanist movements following the fall of Franco in the 1970s, which sought to restore and promote Catalan culture and language across the Balearic Islands. Today, Catalan is recognized as a co-official language in Mallorca, reflecting its deep-rooted historical and cultural significance in the region.