L1 and New Speakers of Aranese

Abstract This article sheds light on the current language situation in the Val d’Aran, with a focus on Aranese language acquisition, proficiency, and usage. As in many minority language settings, New Speakers bring new dynamics into the language community. The basis for this investigation was an online survey, filled out by 125 Aranese speakers, 51 of whom are New Speakers and 74 of whom are L1 Speakers. It will be shown that New Speakers do not report acquiring a language proficiency as high as L1 Speakers, and they report using the language in fewer different contexts, but both groups indicate using the language equally in formal and informal settings. Overall, the unique situation of Aranese within the Occitan varieties can be corroborated.