Commentary: Language Policy in Galicia, 1980-2020. An Overview

Abstract

Galician is a minority language spoken in Galicia, an autonomous region in northwestern Spain. This paper will provide some basic data on the evolution of the sociolinguistic situation of Galician. It will consider the dynamics of change and revitalisation of the language and will examine the linguistic policies that underpin them. In 1981, the Statute of Autonomy of Galicia was approved, establishing the co-official status of Galician. In 1983, the Galician Parliament passed the Law on the linguistic normalisation of Galicia, which laid the ground for the language policies of successive autonomous governments. After four decades, there are several symptoms that the language policy is inadequate for promoting Galician, based on a non-confrontational model centred on the teaching and learning of Galician and the promotion of its literary and cultural prestige.