A new wave of debate has erupted in the Valencian Community over the status and protection of the Valencian language. More than three hundred writers who work in Valencian have signed a collective statement expressing concern about increasing pressure on their native language in recent months.
The authors note that Valencian faces restrictions in various spheres, especially in education and the media. In their view, changes in educational policy initiated by regional and municipal authorities have led to a reduction in the number of teaching hours in Valencian in schools and colleges. In some areas, as the signatories emphasize, Valencian has almost disappeared from curriculums, except in a few subjects.
The writers stress that the education system has long remained the only space where the use of Valencian was relatively stable. Now, they say, even here there is a trend toward reducing its presence, which is causing concern among those in creative and academic circles.
The statement pays special attention to the role of the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua (AVL). The writers consider this institution a key guarantor of linguistic standards in the region and emphasize that the academy should be able to carry out its functions free from external pressure and with sufficient funding. They urge that matters of grammar and linguistics be discussed exclusively in professional and academic circles, rather than becoming subjects of political debate or discussion on social media.
The statement also mentions attempts to reduce the presence of the Valencian language on regional radio and television broadcasts. According to the authors, such measures further marginalize the language and limit its use in public life.
The writers emphasize that among those who signed the statement are people with diverse political and social views, but they are all united in their desire to preserve and promote the Valencian language as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. They call on local and regional authorities, as well as municipalities, to refrain from using the language as a tool of political struggle. In their view, such practices harm not only political opponents but all speakers of the Valencian language.
The statement also recalls past periods when the use of regional languages in Spain was restricted, particularly during the Francoist regime. The writers express concern that some current political decisions may evoke those times and could lead to new limitations on the Valencian language.
Among those who signed the statement are well-known authors such as Ferran Torrent, Silvestre Vilaplana, Rafa Lahuerta, Anna Moner, and Raquel Ricart. They all emphasize that language is not just a means of communication, but also an important creative tool that needs support and protection.
The public debate surrounding the status of the Valencian language continues, and many residents of the region are closely following developments, expecting thoughtful decisions from the authorities to help preserve Spain’s linguistic diversity.
