Free Catalan classes on train journeys between Paris and Barcelona

French rail operator SNCF will offer free Catalan classes during TGV train trips between Paris and Barcelona.

Teachers from the Institut Ramon Llull will teach passengers words, expressions, and examples of Catalan culture.

The head of communication for SNCF's TGV INOUI rail service, Sébastien Gaussot, explained that the initiative arises from a study that concluded that 30% of French people had never heard Catalan spoken, and the same number did not know that Catalan and Spanish are co-official languages in Barcelona.

"We feel like ambassadors for the destination, and it seems normal to us to present the language and the region to our passengers," Gaussot added.

This summer saw the first trial begin, with around 20 more classes offered until the end of the year. The conversational style classes are held in the bar of the train and last about 15 minutes. The company intends to expand the service from 2026 with classes every day.

 

One of the teachers from the Institut Ramon Llull who teaches the classes is Jordi de la Vega. The educator explained that most people who want to learn are passengers who "are aware that two languages ​​are spoken in Barcelona and want to know more about Catalan."

"Depending on each person and their needs, we teach them basic Catalan, but also culture, gastronomy, monuments, so that when they arrive in Barcelona, they have some background," he added.

The classes are announced over the loudspeaker, and posters and teaching materials are also distributed on the train.

One of de la Vega's students during a recent trip between Paris and Barcelona was Halyma, who lives on the outskirts of the French capital. She is not working now and is taking advantage of the time to travel to Barcelona and Catalonia. "I would like to learn Catalan so I can talk to people and get to know Catalan culture," she said.

She speaks French and Spanish, but admits that Catalan is a bit difficult for her. "I understand basic words. At the moment, I have learned to say goodbye, good afternoon, good morning, and please."

A couple on their honeymoon, Omaima and Mohammed, also received one of the classes.

"I studied Spanish at school, and now thanks to Jordi the teacher, I am more interested in learning Catalan as well," Omaima remarked.