Catalan language lessons are now being offered free to passengers travelling between Paris and Barcelona on TGV high-speed trains.
This innovative initiative from French rail operator SNCF Voyageurs comes after research revealed that 30% of French people had never heard Catalan spoken.
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Furthermore, the study showed three in ten French citizens were unaware that Catalan holds co-official status in Barcelona.
Catalan Language Initiative Responds to Cultural Awareness Gap
The research findings highlighted significant gaps in understanding about Catalonia’s linguistic reality among French travellers. Consequently, SNCF decided to take action by introducing these educational sessions. Sebastien Gaussot, communication manager for TGV INOUI at SNCF, explained their motivation: “We see ourselves as ambassadors for the destination, so it seems normal to present the language and region to our travellers.”
Passengers can now participate in fifteen-minute Catalan classes conducted by teachers from the Institut Ramon Llull in the train’s bar carriage. These sessions, currently in trial phase since summer, cover basic vocabulary, common expressions, and cultural insights. Moreover, the rail company plans to expand and consolidate the service throughout 2026, potentially offering daily classes on all trains.
Jordi de la Vega, one of the instructors delivering these unique lessons, observes that most participating passengers already understand Barcelona’s bilingual nature. “They’re aware that two languages are spoken in Barcelona and want to learn more about Catalan,” he notes. Accordingly, the teaching approach adapts to individual needs while covering cultural topics including gastronomy and local monuments.
Practical Language Learning During High-Speed Journeys
The classes are announced via train intercom, with supplementary educational materials distributed throughout the carriages. “We give them a paper with basic Catalan words so they can take it away and practice,” de la Vega explains. This practical approach helps travellers immediately engage with the language upon arrival.
One recent participant, Halyma from the Paris suburbs, exemplifies the programme’s appeal. Currently between jobs, she’s using her free time to travel and connect with Catalan culture. “I’d like to learn Catalan to speak with people and get to know Catalan culture,” she remarked after her session.
This cultural bridge-building initiative represents a growing trend in transport services enhancing passenger experience. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to strengthen its international connections through various infrastructure improvements, including recent upgrades to the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed corridor. The Catalan language programme demonstrates how transport providers can serve as cultural ambassadors while addressing educational gaps among international visitors.
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