Independence through language: linguistic policy in catalonia

Independence through language: Linguistic policy in Catalonia is focused on the role the Catalan language has in the process of independence in Catalonia. In this paper, Catalan language policy is analysed as one of the nationalists‘ instruments in pursuing their desired agenda. Linguistic policy is analysed de jure and de facto, based on the theory of Elona Shohamy, stating the language policy mechanisms that policy makers use to influence the language practices. The study of Language normalisation act of 1983, the Linguistic policy act of 1998, the Statute of Autonomy of 2006 and the Constitutional Court sentence of 2010, as well as the Language policy reports issued by General Directorate for Language Policy during 2006-2016, demonstrates how language can be instrumentalised and through language policy used for nationalistic political objectives