How do younger generations in Mallorca perceive and use the Catalan language?

Younger generations in Mallorca generally have a complex but evolving relationship with the Catalan language, known locally as Mallorquí, a variety of Catalan. While Spanish remains dominant in everyday life and media consumption, Catalan holds significant cultural and educational importance. Most young people in Mallorca grow up bilingual, learning Catalan alongside Spanish from an early age in school. This dual-language environment ensures Catalan remains a vital part of their identity and communication, especially in local contexts such as family, school, and regional government services.

The use of Catalan among younger Mallorcans often depends on social settings. It is commonly spoken at home and in community events that emphasize local traditions, while Spanish is frequently preferred in entertainment, commercial, and more cosmopolitan contexts. Many young people appreciate Catalan as a marker of their distinct heritage and are proud to use it, especially in informal and cultural settings. Education policies in the Balearic Islands actively promote Catalan, which helps maintain its presence across generations despite the tough competition from Spanish and international languages like English.

Digital media and social networks now play a role in how younger Mallorcans engage with Catalan, with many choosing to write and communicate in the language online to support its visibility. Music, literature, and local theater also contribute to fostering a contemporary Catalan cultural scene that appeals to youth. However, some perceive the language as less practical beyond the Balearic Islands and show ambivalence about its long-term utility, leading to varying degrees of fluency and use. Overall, while Spanish may dominate in many aspects of public life, the younger generations in Mallorca continue to uphold Catalan as a cherished linguistic and cultural asset.