Catalan vs. Spanish Language Distinction
Catalan is a distinct language, not a Spanish dialect. Using a Spanish interpreter for a Catalan speaker is both linguistically inadequate and culturally offensive — particularly for speakers from Catalonia who identify strongly with Catalan linguistic identity. Our interpreters are native Catalan speakers who deliver interpretation in the speaker's true language.
Catalonia Independence & Political Context
Cases involving Catalan nationals may reference the 2017 independence referendum, prosecution of independence leaders, Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, and the broader Catalan sovereignty movement. Interpreters must render this politically charged terminology neutrally and accurately without editorializing.
Distinct Catalan Civil Law
Catalonia maintains its own civil law code (Codi Civil de Catalunya) governing family law, succession, and property — separate from the Spanish Código Civil. Interpreters must accurately convey Catalan legal concepts like "legítima" (forced heirship under Catalan rules), "pubilla/hereu" (traditional inheritance designations), and "parella estable" (stable partner/domestic partnership).
Dialect Variation Across Territories
Central Catalan (Barcelona), Valencian (València), Balearic (Mallorca, Menorca), and Rossellonese (southern France) variants have vocabulary and pronunciation differences. "Noi/noia" (Central) vs. "xiquet/xiqueta" (Valencian) for child, for example. Our interpreters match the speaker's specific regional variant.