Other 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".