Aranese, Asturian and Aragonese: Spain's other languages

Key rules

• Aranese: Aranese is official in Catalonia, and you may use it with the authorities in the Val d'Aran.
• Protected languages: Asturian, Aragonese, Leonese and Catalan in Aragon are protected but not official, and their practical effect is limited.
• Spanish: Spanish is the only official language in Asturias, Aragon and Castilla y León, so it is all you need there.
• No demands: You cannot demand services or documents in a protected language, and it is not required for public jobs.

The short answer

Only Aranese is official, and only in Catalonia. Asturian, Aragonese, Leonese and Catalan in Aragon are protected, but they are not official. For daily life, Spanish is all you need in all of these places.

Aranese: official in Catalonia

Aranese is a form of Occitan spoken in the Val d'Aran, in the Pyrenees. It is official in Catalonia alongside Catalan and Spanish, and it is the language proper of the Val d'Aran. You may use it with the public authorities there. It is the preferred language of the valley's own government, the Conselh Generau d'Aran, and of local bodies.

In schools, Aranese is taught together with Catalan, Spanish and other languages.

If you live in the valley, expect to see Aranese on signs and in local offices. You can still deal with the administration in Spanish.

Asturian, Aragonese and Leonese: protected, not official

A protected language has legal recognition and public support, but Spanish stays the only official language. Your rights are limited:

• You can study the language as a voluntary school subject where it is offered.
• Traditional place names are recognised.
• You can use the language, orally or in writing, with the administration. The administration does not have to answer in it.
• The region promotes it in media and culture.

It is not a requirement for public jobs. You cannot demand services or documents in it, and it has no place in the courts. How much is on offer depends on regional law and budget.

Asturias

Asturian (bable) is protected. Documents you submit in Asturian are valid, but the administration does not have to reply in Asturian. Making it co-official would need a change to the regional statute. That has been debated but has not happened.

Aragon

Aragonese, and Catalan as spoken in eastern Aragon, are protected as the region's own languages. Spanish is the only official language. The rights above apply mainly in the areas where these languages are spoken. Aragonese is spoken in the Pyrenean and pre-Pyrenean areas, and Catalan in the east. The administration has no general duty to use them.

Castilla y León

Leonese is protected as part of the region's heritage. It is spoken mainly in León, Zamora and parts of Salamanca. Some schools offer it as a voluntary subject, and there is a small regional promotion programme. Administration is in Spanish, and nobody has a right to be served in Leonese. How much is offered varies by province.

Do these languages matter to you?

Mostly as local colour. You do not need to learn any of them to register, work, rent or use public services. If you have children, ask the school whether the language is offered, since it is optional. For the details in your area, check the regional government's language office or your town hall.

The questions below cover the most common practical doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Aranese with the authorities in the Val d'Aran?

Yes, Aranese is official in Catalonia, so you can use it with the public authorities in the Val d'Aran. It is the preferred language of the Conselh Generau d'Aran, the valley's own governing body. Schools there teach in a mix of Aranese, Catalan, Spanish and other languages.

Will the Asturian administration answer me in Asturian?

No, the administration in Asturias does not have to answer you in Asturian, because it is protected but not co-official. You can use it in your dealings with the administration, and documents in Asturian are valid. Making it co-official would need a reform of the regional statute, which has not happened.

What can I not demand in a protected language such as Aragonese or Leonese?

You cannot demand services or documents in these languages, because Spanish is the only official language. They are not required for public jobs or in the courts. What you can expect is the option to study them as a voluntary school subject where offered, and traditional place names.

Do I need to learn Leonese or Aragonese to live in Castilla y León or Aragon?

No, you do not need to learn Leonese or Aragonese to live in those regions, because everyday administration runs in Spanish. Provision is small and depends on the area, mainly León, Zamora and parts of Salamanca for Leonese.