Regional identity: belonging to your region as well as Spain

Key rules

• Expectations differ: What locals expect from newcomers depends on the region, so learn the local picture before you settle.
• Catalonia: Newcomers are expected to learn Catalan, although Spanish still works day to day.
• Andalusia: Taking part in local customs matters more than language, since there is no competing language.
• School language rules: Language rules in schools differ by region and change, so confirm them with the regional education department or the school.

Regional identity is part of daily life

Spain is one country, but many people feel they belong to their region as much as to Spain. What locals expect from you depends on where you live. You do not need to take a side in any debate. You do need to show interest and respect for the local culture and language.

What follows is a general picture. Attitudes vary by town and by person.

What to expect in four regions

Catalonia. Identity here is built on the Catalan language and the independence debate. Catalan is the main language of schooling and administration, and newcomers are expected to learn it. Spanish still works day to day. Learning Catalan, even at a basic level, is the clearest sign of respect.

Basque Country. Identity is very strong. The language, Euskara, matters most in the Basque-speaking parts, in the north of Navarre and in education. Newcomers are welcome. Learning some Basque and joining local associations is valued, though Spanish is widely used.

Galicia. Identity is strong but less politicised. Galician is widely spoken, especially in rural areas, and schools are bilingual. You are expected to be respectful. People will often understand you without Galician.

Andalusia. Cultural identity is very strong: flamenco, fiestas, Semana Santa and the feria. There is no competing language. People are open and sociable, and what counts is taking part in local customs and speaking Spanish.

Languages beyond Spanish

Several regions have a second official language: Catalan, Basque and Galician. Catalan is also official in the Valencian Community, where it is called Valencian, and in the Balearic Islands. Aranese is official in Catalonia's Val d'Aran. Basque is official in the Basque-speaking part of Navarre.

How to relate to it

• Learn a few words of the local language and use them. Effort counts more than fluency.
• Go to local fiestas and join local groups.
• Do not assume that "Spain" and "your region" mean the same thing to the people around you.
• Keep to listening on political questions until you know people well.

Schools and language rules

Schools in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, the Balearics, the Valencian Community and Navarre teach the regional language or use it for teaching. How much differs by region. Rules for newcomers and exemptions differ too. Court rulings and regional changes have affected these rules, so check them locally. Ask the regional education department, the school and your town hall's website. The questions below cover more.

Frequently asked questions

Will my children have to study in the regional language?

Yes, in most regions with a co-official language, because schools there teach in or teach the regional language. This applies in Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, the Balearics, the Valencian Community and Navarre, with different rules on how much. Exemptions for newcomers also differ, so ask the school.

Which regions have a second official language?

Five languages are co-official with Spanish: Catalan in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and (as Valencian) the Valencian Community; Basque in the Basque Country and the Basque-speaking part of Navarre; and Galician in Galicia. Aranese is also co-official in Catalonia's Val d'Aran.

How do I find the language rules that apply where I live?

Start with the regional education department, called Conselleria, Consejería or Departament d'Educació depending on the region. Then check your municipality's website, the school itself and the regional government's language policy page.

Do I need to speak Galician or Basque to be accepted locally?

No, you are not required to speak either, because Spanish is widely used in both regions. In Galicia you are often understood without Galician, while in the Basque Country learning some Basque and joining local associations is valued.