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Valencian facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Valencian refers to things connected to the Valencia (autonomous community) in Spain. It can also mean something related to the city of Valencia, which is the capital of this region. Most often, when people say "Valencian," they are talking about the Valencian language. This language is spoken by many people in the Valencian Community.

What is Valencian?

Valencian is a Romance language. This means it developed from Latin, just like Spanish, French, and Italian. It is the official language of the Valencian Community in Spain, along with Spanish. Many people in this region speak both languages every day.

Where is it Spoken?

Valencian is mainly spoken in the Valencian Community. This area is on the eastern coast of Spain. The language is used in schools, government, and daily life. You can hear it spoken in cities like Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón de la Plana.

Catalan dialects-en
The main dialects of Catalan. Western Catalan block includes Northwestern Catalan and Valencian.

History of the Language

The Valencian language has a long history. It grew from the Latin spoken by people in the area after the Roman Empire. Over time, it developed its own unique features. It is closely related to Catalan language, which is spoken in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. For many years, Valencian was the main language of the region.

Linguistic map Southwestern Europe-en
This map shows how Valencian and Catalan evolved in Southwestern Europe over time.

Is it a Separate Language?

Whether Valencian is a separate language or a dialect of Catalan is a topic of discussion. Many experts believe they are the same language with different regional forms. However, in the Valencian Community, it is officially recognized as Valencian. Both forms are very similar, and speakers can usually understand each other easily.

Culture and Valencian

The Valencian language is a big part of the region's culture. It is used in traditional songs, poems, and festivals. Learning Valencian helps people connect with the history and traditions of the Valencian Community. It is taught in schools and used in media like TV and radio. This helps keep the language alive and strong for future generations.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Idioma valenciano para niños

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