Learning Spanish vs. Regional Languages in Spain: What You Need to Know

Moving to Spain? Understand the bilingual regions and decide whether you need Spanish only or a regional language too.

In Spain, Spanish (Castilian) is the official national language, but in several regions it coexists with other co-official languages. Understanding which language to use or to learn can be essential if you are planning to live, study, or work in Spain.

Where Are Spain’s Co-official Languages Spoken?

– Catalonia: Catalan
– Valencian Community: Valencian (a variety of Catalan)
– Balearic Islands: Catalan
– Galicia: Galician
– Basque Country: Basque (Euskera)
– Navarre: Basque (only in part of the region)

In these bilingual areas, many residents grow up speaking two native languages: the national language (Spanish) and their regional language.

Spanish or Castilian? What Are Students Really Learning?

A common question among Spanish learners is whether they are studying Spanish or Castilian. The answer is simple: both terms refer to the same language.

– Castilian is often used within Spain to distinguish it from the other co-official languages.
– Spanish is the preferred international term, as it includes all Spanish-speaking countries worldwide.

Personally, I prefer the term Spanish, as it feels more inclusive, modern, and globally understood.

So, Which Language Should You Choose in Spain’s Bilingual Regions?

There is no single answer that works for everyone. Instead, consider the following questions:

– Are you planning to live in that region short-term or long-term?
– Will your interactions be mostly within that region, within Spain as a whole, or with other Spanish-speaking countries?
– Do you need Spanish for national procedures (e.g., applying for Spanish citizenship)?

If you are staying long-term:
Learning both Spanish and the regional language will make daily life, integration, and administrative tasks much easier.

If you are staying only for a short period:
Think about whether investing time, effort, and money in learning the regional language will bring you value. Of course, you can learn it simply out of cultural or linguistic interest but remember that it is generally harder to use outside its region.

Where Each Language Is Spoken (Worldwide) + Number of Speakers:

Catalan / Valencian. Spoken in:
Catalonia, Valencian Community, Balearic Islands, Eastern Aragon, Andorra (the only country where Catalan is the sole official language), Southern France (Northern Catalonia), Alghero (Sardinia, Italy)
Speakers: Approx. 10 million

Galician. Spoken in:
Galicia, border areas of Asturias and Castilla y León, Galician diaspora communities (Argentina, Uruguay, Switzerland)
Speakers: Approx. 2.5–3 million

Basque (Euskera). Spoken in:
Basque Country, Northern Navarre, French Basque Country (Iparralde)
Speakers: Approx. 750,000–1 million

Spanish (Castilian). Spoken in:
Spain, almost all of Latin America, United States (second most spoken language), Equatorial Guinea, The Philippines (limited, historical use), large global communities of migrants.
Speakers: About 500 million native speakers and 590 million total speakers.

Final Recommendation: What Should You Learn First?

From a practical point of view, learning Spanish first provides the greatest long-term benefit. It allows you to communicate across Spain and with the entire Spanish-speaking world.

Once you are comfortable with Spanish, learning the regional language can greatly improve your integration, social connections, and cultural experience in the specific community where you live.

Even if you’re only visiting briefly, I still recommend learning a few basic phrases in the local language since it shows respect and is always appreciated.