Learning Catalan as a Way to Belong

In a city as vibrant and complex as Barcelona, learning the local language is more than an academic decision — it is a gateway to belonging. For thousands of expats who arrive in Catalonia every year, Catalan often remains a distant, symbolic presence rather than a lived experience. Club del Català is changing that narrative by offering a new way to learn Catalan: one rooted in community, territory, and real human connection.

On the one hand, El Club del Català offers Catalan language courses taught by highly qualified teachers. Classes are held in small groups of no more than nine students, which allows for a truly communicative approach. The goal is not for the teacher to simply explain grammar and vocabulary, but for students to become active participants and speak Catalan from the very beginning.

Students also work with top-quality teaching materials, through which they learn the language while discovering Catalan history, literature, art, series and films—key elements of our shared cultural imagination.

Although classes take place only once a week and last two hours, students make remarkable progress in just three months. This highly personalised approach encourages intensive and fast learning.

The courses cost €460. This fee includes membership of the Ateneu Barcelonès, the course textbook, and access to a wide range of free social and cultural activities.

Students greatly value studying alongside motivated classmates who have a genuine interest in both the language and the culture. In some free courses, learners may feel as though they are merely “warming a seat”; at El Club del Català, the commitment and enthusiasm of students and teachers create a stimulating and inspiring cultural environment—one that makes learning Catalan both effective and meaningful.

On the other hand, rather than positioning Catalan as a classroom subject, Club del Català presents it as a living language that opens doors to the city, its people, and its culture. As the project itself states on its website, it is “a space to learn Catalan and connect with the territory”, an idea that resonates deeply with international residents looking to truly integrate into life in Barcelona.

A New Way of Learning a Language

Traditional language schools often focus on grammar, textbooks, and exams. Club del Català turns that model inside out. Here, learning Catalan means visiting Gaudí’s Casa Vicens in Gràcia, visiting the Parliament and discussing politics afterwards, attending theatre shows at the Teatre Lliure, and experiencing the city from within.

The Club defines itself as a community, not just a school. Students don’t simply attend classes; they become members of a living network where Catalan is spoken naturally, spontaneously, and without fear. The goal is not perfection, but participation.

This approach is particularly attractive to expats who want more than transactional interactions. Learning Catalan becomes a way to say: I’m here, I care, and I want to be part of this place.

Language as a Bridge to Territory

One of the strongest ideas behind Club del Català is the belief that language and territory are inseparable. Catalan is not presented as an abstract system, but as the language of markets, galleries, neighborhoods, friendships, and everyday life in Catalonia.

This philosophy is echoed throughout the Club’s activities. Members are encouraged to explore different areas of the city, meet locals in informal contexts, and use Catalan in real situations — from cultural outings to simple conversations over coffee.

As one member and language partner, Agustí Grau, explains:

“With Valeria, we’ve visited her neighborhood, mine, we’ve gone to galleries… it’s a great experience for connecting cultures.”

Here, language learning becomes cultural exchange. It is no longer about memorizing vocabulary, but about understanding how people live, think, and relate to one another.

Learning Catalan to Feel at Home

For many international residents, the decision to learn Catalan is emotional as much as practical. It’s about making this place your home — by living in the local language.

This sentiment is clearly expressed by Yuliia Plokha, a student and language partner at the Club:

“I study Catalan to understand the people in the city and to be able to express myself. People are very happy when I speak to them in their language.”

Her words capture something many expats discover once they begin speaking Catalan: the warmth of local reactions, the smiles, the sense of mutual respect. Speaking Catalan, even imperfectly, signals openness and commitment to the community.

A Community That Extends Beyond the Classroom

What truly sets Club del Català apart is the importance it places on relationships. Members are paired with language partners, participate in group activities, and gradually become part of a supportive, multilingual community united by Catalan.

The Club describes itself as a place where people can “learn Catalan while sharing experiences.” This sharing is key: students and locals learn from each other, breaking down cultural barriers and building friendships that often extend beyond the program itself.

For Pavel Putintsev, a student at Club del Català, the motivation is simple and deeply logical:

“I learn Catalan because I like it. I live in Catalonia, and the most natural thing is to learn Catalan.”

This idea — that learning the local language is a natural act of coexistence — is central to the Club’s philosophy.

Cultural Activities as Learning Spaces

Club del Català also integrates cultural activities into its learning model. Museums, galleries, neighborhood walks, and informal meetups become classrooms without walls. Language is learned in context, shaped by experience rather than rigid lesson plans.

This immersive method reflects a broader understanding of how adults learn languages best — through meaningful interaction, emotional engagement, and real-life relevance.

By combining structured learning with spontaneous conversation, the Club creates an environment where students gain confidence quickly and naturally.

January 2026: A New Opportunity to Join

The next courses at Club del Català begin on 12 January 2026, offering a fresh opportunity for expats who have made learning Catalan one of their New Year goals.

Whether you’ve just arrived in Barcelona or have lived here for years without speaking the language, Club del Català offers a welcoming entry point — one that values curiosity over correctness and connection over perfection.

More Than a Course, a Commitment

In a global city where it’s easy to live comfortably without learning the local language, choosing to learn Catalan is a meaningful act. Club del Català understands this and supports learners not just as students, but as future participants in Catalan society.

By redefining how Catalan is taught — as a shared experience tied to territory, culture, and community — Club del Català is setting a new standard for language learning in Barcelona.

(Catalan News is not liable to third parties for any information in this statement)