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What are the main dialects spoken in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, the primary language spoken is Catalan, specifically a dialect known as Mallorquí. This local variant of Catalan is characterized by distinct phonetic and lexical features that differentiate it from Standard Catalan, particularly in terms of pronunciation and some vocabulary. Additionally, Spanish (Castilian) is widely spoken and used in official contexts, education, and media.

Mallorquí encompasses several sub-dialects depending on the geographical regions of the island, including those spoken in the capital city, Palma, and in rural towns. Residents of Mallorca may also use a mix of Spanish and Mallorquí in daily conversation, leading to a bilingual or diglossic situation. While Catalan has received support through local governance and education, Spanish remains the dominant language in national and international communications. Efforts to promote and preserve Mallorquí are evident in cultural institutions and local media.