Valencià

Valencià, also known as Valencian, is the Valencian variety of the Catalan language spoken in the Valencian Community, an autonomous region on the eastern coast of Spain. It is part of the Catalan language continuum and shares much of its grammar and core vocabulary with other Catalan varieties, while also maintaining distinctive regional features in pronunciation, vocabulary, and usage.

Geographic distribution and status: Valencian is co-official with Spanish in the Valencian Community. It is used in education, government, media, and daily life alongside Spanish, with many public signs and official communications presented in both languages. The balance between Valencian and Spanish use varies by area, generation, and urban versus rural settings.

Historical and regulatory context: The language has medieval roots in the region and experienced revival and consolidation in the modern era. Written Valencian typically follows Catalan orthographic norms, adapted to regional practice. Standardization and terminology are influenced by Catalan linguistic institutions as well as regional bodies dedicated to Valencian language policy and promotion.

Linguistic relationship and characteristics: As a variety of Catalan, Valencian is mutually intelligible with other Catalan-speaking areas. While it shares essential grammar and vocabulary with Catalan, Valencian exhibits local vocabulary, expressions, and phonological traits that reflect Valencian cultural and social contexts. It is commonly studied as part of the Catalan language and is central to Valencian literature, education, and public life.