Catalan language learners abroad double since 2003

Barcelona (ACN).- The number of Catalan learners abroad has doubled since 2003, according to the Ramon Llull Institute, a centre dedicated to the spreading of Catalan culture abroad. Back in 2003, 565 people took the official Catalan language test held worldwide. Last year the figure increased to 1,252 applicants from 76 cities in 32 different countries. The tests are monitored by the Ramon Llull Institute itself. New Delhi has been the latest incorporation as a host city along with cities such as Tartu (Estonia), Tangiers (Morocco), Teheran (Iran) and Osaka (Japan).

The students apply for different certificates that credit them with five levels of Catalan language knowledge (basic, elemental, intermediate, aptitude and higher) in order to comply with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a guideline used to measure the achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. While the number of applicants is increasing year after year, the number of students that reach intermediate and higher levels is also growing.

The Ramon Llull Institute has been organising these exams since 2003. Anyone who wants to have an official certificate of their Catalan language knowledge can apply. However, only 16 cities host a higher level certificate, Madrid being the only Spanish city. The registration period is open until the 28^th April, and information for applicants can be found on the Ramon Llull Institute webpage.