Language in Menorca

The language of Menorca, Catalan, was officially banned under Franco but since his death it has been restored as an official language of the island. Catalan can be described as a very ancient form of Spanish, with traces of French, although it sounds like neither.

To further complicate matters, islanders use their own distinct dialect of catalan called Menorquín.

Although Spanish is still the language traditionally used to greet strangers, it is worth learning a few local words to make sense of street signs and win some brownie points with locals.

A few Catalan words...

see also...

• Food & Drink
• History of Menorca