Other
Spanish languages
We should
not forget certain other stipulations set out in our constitution, for
Article 3.3 of the Spanish Constitution reads: "The wealth of the
different language variations in Spain is a cultural heritage that shall
be the object of special respect and protection." Franco's dictatorship
initially prohibited and then hindered the use of all Spanish languages
except Castilian, and the other languages were forced "underground"-used
only in the home or among close friends-they and encountered serious
difficulties for their development as a cultural vehicle.
This was only overcome thanks to the tenacity of private institutions
which preserved their study and fostered their use. Officially speaking,
there are also some Statutes of the Autonomous Regions that give protection
to a certain number of languages:
. The Statute of the Principality of Asturias, set up as an Autonomous
Community in 1981, reads: "Bable shall be protected. Its use will
be promoted by the media and the teaching institutions, respecting in
any case all local differences and voluntary learning".
. The Statute
of the Autonomous Community of Aragon, passed in 1982, read: "The
several linguistic variations of Aragon shall be protected, being considered
as elements of its cultural and historic heritage".
. Article
7.1 of the Statute of the Valencia Region, which includes the provinces
of Alicante, Castellón and Valencia, reads: "The two official
languages are Valencian and Castilian. Everyone has the right to know
and use them."
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