Language Attitudes and Language Perceived Threat: Insights into Their Impact on Intercultural Sensitivity in the Catalan Context

Abstract

Catalonia, a bilingual territory, faces the challenge of balancing the promotion of its regional language with the integration of a culturally diverse population. The following research presents a quantitative analysis of the relationship between linguistic attitudes towards Catalan and Spanish, the perceived linguistic threat of both languages and the intercultural sensitivity of Catalan residents. Based on a sample of 393 participants living in Catalonia, a Path analysis was performed, taking into account direct and indirect effects. The results show that promoting positive attitudes towards Catalan does not directly harm intercultural sensitivity; however, the mediating effect of perceived linguistic threat may reduce openness to cultural diversity. Language policies should therefore seek to balance the promotion of regional languages and the integration of cultural diversity in order to foster social cohesion in Catalonia.