Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Stephen Burgen in Oviedo

‘It’s my mother tongue’: the fight for a fifth co-official Spanish language

A girl with a sticker in support of official status for the Asturian language in Oviedo, Spain on May 07, 2021.
Campaigners marched in their thousands last year to support giving Asturian co-official status. Photograph: Alberto Brevers/Pacific Press/Rex/Shutterstock

In the tiny village of Martimporra (population 16), nestling among the lush green hills and valleys typical of Asturias, Orfelina Suárez, 58, runs a household goods shop.

“If I was only allowed to speak Spanish I’d struggle with some vocabulary because I’m used to speaking Asturian,” she says.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.