The Spanish Debate In 5 Languages

Controversy has hit the Upper Chamber of the Spanish parliament in Spain. Senators are allowed to debate in five of the country's languages: Catalan, Galician, Valencian, Euskara and Castilian Spanish. Interpreters are employed to translate the debates into the language that they all already speak and understand which is Castilian Spanish.

Twenty-five interpreters are needed to interpret into Castilian Spanish at a cost of about £10,000 each day according to Spanish media. The move has drawn criticism, with opponents labelling the diverse language use as wasteful and likening it to the Tower of Babel.

While proponents argue that the use of regional languages reflects Spain's diverse regions, opposition parties view the situation as an anomaly, maintaining that Castilian Spanish should suffice for parliamentary discourse. The episode highlights Spain's longstanding language conflicts, rooted in debates over linguistic usage in education, employment and local government.

Read more about the controversy of debating in five languages in Spain>>