Presents an overview of the geological and historical context of Catalan, explaining that today, Catalonia has both a political and cultural definition. Section 1 focuses on territory in political and cultural terms. Section 2 discusses Catalan and the Romance dialect continuum. Section 3 examines cultural centers and political allegiances. (SM)

Responds to an article by Strubell on "Language, Democracy, and Devolution in Catalonia," by suggesting that the Catalonian situation is a civic and inclusive nationalism that has an ethnic dimension (defined in linguistic terms). The paper discusses the general theory of nationalism and ethnicity, examines the case of Catalan, and…

Responds to an article by Strubell, "Language, Democracy, and Devolution in Catalonia," explaining differences between various dialects grouped under the Catalan umbrella and focusing on the context of the new language-policy legislation, the impact of the new legislation, tensions arising from the implementation of the language policy,…

Responds to an article by Strubell, "Language, Democracy, and Devolution in Catalonia," noting the lack of congruence between the Catalan nation defined culturally and linguistically and Catalonia the polity. The paper examines nationalist discourse, identity, and evolution, and discusses the limits of devolution (borders and internal…