This is the welcome pack for Catalan immigrants that is given to them.
A letter from the advisor, information on courses and a scholarship: Language Policy reinforces Catalan during the reception of newcomers
Barcelona"Welcome to Catalonia, welcome to Catalan!", says the material The Department of Language Policy has begun distributing information to guide newcomers on the linguistic reality of the country, the importance of knowing Catalan, and places where they can learn it in their immediate surroundings. The Catalan Government wants to strengthen linguistic support from the moment immigrants arrive in Catalonia and register their address.
In a welcome letter—available in a dozen languages—Minister Francesc Xavier Vila explains: "In Catalonia, we have our own language, Catalan, which was born here more than a thousand years ago and which, despite periods of prohibition, we have never stopped speaking and cherishing." He states that most Catalans speak at least two languages and continues: "Catalan distinguishes us as a people and forms part of the backbone of our national identity. Along with Spanish, Catalan is a fully official language in Catalonia." The minister encourages newcomers to learn it: "It is highly advisable, and often essential, for fully integrating into Catalan society." The letter specifies that it "is widely used in administration, at work, in schools, universities, in the cultural sphere, and, in short, in all sectors of the country's social life" and that, for example, it is important if you work with the public. Therefore, he emphasizes that "Catalan society greatly values people who come to live here taking the step of learning and using Catalan."
Where you will find
In addition to this information and invitation to the language, the material explains all the ways to learn Catalan: free courses, in-person or online, access to online resources and even an interactive map with all course offering points. Through the language normalization centers deployed throughout the region, the campaign will reach the main citizen service and reception points, such as Citizen Service Offices, first reception services, registration offices, or, in the case of Barcelona, the Guidance and Support Services for Immigrants.
So far, it has reached 21 municipalities in Catalonia, including Badalona, Girona, Vic, Hospitalet, Mataró, Reus, and Tarragona, with 31 distribution points, 11 of them in Barcelona. At these locations, a welcome pack is distributed which includes, in addition to the letter from the Minister, an illustrated basic vocabulary list, information about Catalan courses, a bag, a notebook, and a pen.