How did King Jaume I’s conquest of Mallorca influence the use and status of the Catalan language on the island?

King Jaume I’s conquest of Mallorca in the 13th century had a profound impact on the linguistic landscape of the island, particularly regarding the use and status of the Catalan language. Before the conquest, Mallorca was under Muslim rule, and the dominant languages were Arabic and the local Romance dialects influenced by various cultures. When Jaume I, the King of Aragon and a staunch proponent of the Catalan language, successfully incorporated Mallorca into his growing realm in 1229, he initiated a deliberate process of cultural and linguistic transformation aimed at integrating the island into the Crown of Aragon.

Following the conquest, the island was repopulated largely by settlers from Catalonia and other areas within the Crown of Aragon, bringing with them the Catalan language and customs. This migration established Catalan as the primary language of administration, law, and daily communication on Mallorca. Over time, Catalan became firmly entrenched as the official language, used in government documents, trade, and religious practices, which significantly elevated its status and spread its influence among the island’s diverse population.

The introduction and establishment of Catalan also influenced Mallorca’s literature and cultural identity. The island saw an increase in the production of Catalan-language texts, both religious and secular, reinforcing the language not only as a means of communication but as a carrier of cultural expression and identity. Despite later political changes and periods of Castilian dominance, the legacy of Jaume I’s conquest ensured that Catalan remained a vital and cherished part of Mallorcan heritage. Today, Catalan continues to be a principal language on the island, reflecting this deep historical connection forged during the 13th century.