Discover key Mallorca local phrases
People in Mallorca speak Spanish (also referred to as 'Castilian' or 'Castellano', a variety of the Spanish language spoken in central Spain) and Mallorquí, a language with the same root as Catalán which can change slightly depending on the location. However, due to the large numbers of foreign tourists visiting the island, English and German are widely spoken.
Attempting to speak Mallorquí will certainly win the hearts of island locals but speaking Spanish is widely accepted. Below are some words in Spanish to help you get along.
Accommodation
Money
Food & Drink
Transportation
General
The two official languages of Mallorca are Castilian Spanish and Catalán. What you hear spoken on the streets between the locals is most likely to be Mallorquí, very similar to the latter.
Catalán was coined from Vulgar Latin in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain and deviated from the other Romance languages in the 9th century. It spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula as the Catalán counts invaded Muslim territory and became the official language of the kingdom of Aragón between 1137 and 1749.
However, throughout history, Catalán has experienced quite severe political suppression which stalled the language’s development. Although it is now a co-official language (with Spanish) in Catalonia, Andorra, Valencia, Sardinia and the Balearic Isles, its use was prohibited as recently as during Franco's dictatorship (1936-1975). Consequently, none of Mallorca's five daily newspapers are written in Catalán and virtually everyone on the island speaks or, at least, understands Castilian Spanish.
Catalán, as well as Mallorquí, have had the freedom to revive in the last few decades. Changes in the Spanish government after Franco led to Balearic territories officially being declared an autonomous community. In 1977, the Generalitat de Catalunya was reinstated and measures were put in place to standardise the modern Catalán language, leading to it being the primary language in education, politics and public life in the areas who choose this language over Castilian Spanish.
You will notice that, in Mallorca, the signposts on the roads are in Catalán rather than Castilian Spanish. The Mallorcans have dealt with and fought off centuries of invasions, as a result, they have become a patriotic island and relish in bringing back some of their history. At the same time, they understand the importance of tourism for their economy and have learned to accommodate their 'visitors', so feel free to choose which language you prefer to use with the locals, they will be equally welcoming!
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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