Regulating language: Territoriality and personality in plurinational Spain

This article examines the regulation of linguistic diversity in Spain from a combined empirical and normative perspective. is particularly interesting case due to intersection national its peculiar combination territoriality personality. We first present conceptual framework which draws on personality distinction as established by political philosophers. Second, we examine way multilingualism regulated Spain. A dual system emerges Castilian only state language while four other languages – Aranese, Basque, Catalan Galician are co-official six Autonomous Communities. identify two models concerning degree institutionalisation non-Castilian languages: co-officiality limited recognition. Finally, characterise assess normatively advantages disadvantages Spanish regulation. argue that may be characterised an Unequal Personality Linguistic Regime. regime offers several instrumental related prevalence shared well significant territorial accommodation for minority groups, but it also gives rise injustices unequal treatment domination. contributes academic debate about politics analysing paradigmatic plurinationalism, Spain, considering usefulness study specific cases.