Talk:Valencian Community/Archive 6

Castilian, official language

Not so much time ago, a very angry debate was held here regarding the "own" language, Valencian.

There were many sides: Some users stated linguistical facts in order to explain that the official languages were Spanish and Catalan. Some others wanted to word it as Spanish and Valencian because of political reasons since the Valencian Statute says Valencian is the own language.... Finally, a consensus was reached by explaining that "the official languages are Spanish and Valencian (as Catalan is known)".

That debate was only about Valencian/Catalan. I think now it's time to apply the same reasons to Castilian/Spanish.

• Linguistical facts: Castilian is the same language than Spanish. The word "Castilian" may be used in English as one of the dialects or as the language as a whole.

Encyclopaedia Britannica: Castilian, which contains many words of Arabic origin, began as a dialect spoken in northern Spain. It became the language of the court of the kingdoms of Castile and León in the 12th century, and the dominance of Castile within Spain allowed it to become the official language of the state.

• Political facts: Valencian Statute says (Title 1, Article 6):

(into Spanish) 2. El idioma valenciano es el oficial en la Comunitat Valenciana, al igual que lo es el castellano, que es el idioma oficial del Estado. (...)

(own translation) 2. The Valencian language is official in the Comunitat Valenciana, so is Castilian, which is the official language of the [Spanish] State. (...)

My complaint about the actual wording is that it mixes political reasons (for Valencian/Catalan) and linguistical reasons (for Castilian/Spanish).

So my suggestion is to explain both:

The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers).

Please, note that Castilian links to the Spanish language article. Also, further info is provided about the naming of that language.

Of course, that's only a suggestion and I'm open to debate it. I won't reword the article until an agreement is reached or one week passes by without any response. --Casaforra (parlem-ne) 08:44, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

This was discussed in another "very angry debate" some weeks ago, and you were a part of that debate. Something close to a consensus was reached. I can understand that newly arrived people go straight and bite the hook, but I am expecting that usual contributors to this page who have worked in achieving some civility, like yourself, stand by the compromise reached, because back then we all had the chance to add our comments and POVs.

To reopen this just because a few months have passed and things look calm would be a superb exercise of irresponsability and going in circles which doesn't match your otherwise usually constructive approach, Casaforra.

Mountolive.-

I strongly disagree to the use of the word "castilian". --Maurice27 15:47, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

Dear Maurice27, you are allowed to explain your reasons to disagree with the use of the word "Castilian", but if you know a bit of Valencian reality you should be aware that:

• : Nobody denies that Castilian is Spanish. In my proposal the link of "Castilian" points to Spanish language.
• : It's a social reality that Catalan is popularly named as "Valencià", and Spanish is popularly named as "Castellà". It's fairly well explained at Names given to the Spanish language. That article is also linked in my proposal for further info.
• : The political reasons (say, Valencian Statute) used to define Catalan as Valencian in the lead are exactly the same that applies to Castilian/Spanish: The Statute says the "own" language is "Valencian" (not Catalan) and the co-official language is "Castilian" (not Spanish). Title 1, Article 6, Section 2 Valencian Statute

Dear Mountolive, thx a lot for your comment about my "usually constructive approach". For the "calm" of this debate I'll reply "calmly" to your comments about my "superb exercise of irresponsability and going in circles":

The previous debate was about the definition of Valencian/Catalan, the consensus didn't regard to Castilian/Spanish. There was a moment, when I got upset of politically POV and un-scientifical attitude of some users with the definition of Valencian/Catalan which I categorized as "unfair" when compared to the way they wanted for Castilian/Spanish, that I already proposed a restricting definition for Spanish as well:

Mountolive: "As for neutrality, there can't be anything more neutral than saying that "Spanish and Valencian are the official languages""

Casaforra: "We may say Spanish and Catalan or we may say Castilian and Valencian. But that's another debate."

See? I already said it was another debate!

Now, when the Valencian/Catalan is over, it's time to reach an agreement about the definition of Castilian/Spanish. I expect mine's is fair, explains everything and afford political (Valencian-Castilian) and linguistical (Catalan-Spanish) reasons to join:

The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers).

So, instead of saying "I won't talk about this" or "I only want SPANISH to appear", tell me what's wrong and what's improvable with my suggestion.

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 08:15, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Dear Casaforra, what I would love to know, are the obscure (not bad nor malicious... just obscure) reasons to re-open this debate again...

• The valencian statute says "valencian" --> no more arguments
• I can take pictures of 12 dictionaries I have at home with:

- español-inglés/inglés-español

- espagnol-français/francés-español

- español-catalan/catalá-espanyol

- español-alemán/deutsch-spanisch

- and the best one: Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (vigésima primera edición. 1992) --> no more arguments... either...

--Maurice27 14:05, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

No obscure, bad or malicious reason. Maurice27. Please, assume "Good faith".

I'm not re-opening any debate. The previous debate was about the definition of Valencian.

• Regarding those dictionaries: They agree with my point!:

If we use linguistical reasons the name of the languages are Spanish and Catalan. Not Spanish and Valencian. (The Valencian dictionaries state "Valencià-Castellà")

• Regarding Valencian Statute: If we use the Statute for naming Catalan language as Valencian, why don't we are coherent and use it to name the Spanish language as Castilian?

I've offered a proposal that don't touch the previous consensus about Valencian, but adds further info about Spanish. What's the problem? Why don't you want to talk about that proposal instead of denying it?

The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers).

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 08:13, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

The "not bad nor malicious... just obscure" was there just to assume your good faith.

You tell me I don't want to talk about your proposal... I already told you that I disagree and I already told you I can give you 12 reasons and sources to explain my point about not to use castilian... Don't you read? Quit saying we don't want to discuss it.

As we once decided to use the linguistical reasons, following the dictates of the respective dictionaries of the academies, we must use:

• Spanish: (Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (see: [1]
• Valencian: (Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronunciació del valencià (see: [2])

So, again, Valencian and spanish are correctly used. I hope this ends this new/old debate. --Maurice27 09:39, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

If we talk about linguistics the names of the languages are Catalan and Spanish.

If we talk about politics those names are Valencian and Castilian.

The definition of Valencian/Catalan was already solved and not touched by my new proposal, which only explains facts about Castilian/Spanish. My suggested sentence joins both faces of this issue and explains where and by who are used the different terms.

It's curious how strongly you adhered to the Valencian Statute when the debate about the definition of Valencian... even joining un-scientifical linguistical theories! And now you seem not be able to read the same Valencian Statute and the same article when it states that the other official language is "Castellano".

With the link to Names given to the Spanish language I make sure nobody is misleaded, the same way the "(as Catalan is known by its speakers)" sentence was added in the Valencian/Catalan previous debate.

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 10:01, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

I don't know if I am a bit too paranoid (which would be nothing strange, after having been heavily exposed to Valencian-related articles in English wikipedia during the last year) but, in any case, you seem ironic when you say "Dear Mountolive, thx a lot for your comment about my "usually constructive approach". For the "calm" of this debate I'll reply "calmly" to your comments about my "superb exercise of irresponsability and going in circles"

Well, I didn't say that you were doing a superb exercise of irresponsability, I put it in conditional on purpose (I even made a minor edit to make that clear) however, per this quote of yours above, it is actual yourself who seem to be assuming this characterization....aw, do you remember when we were buddies, Casaforra?

I don't want to get romantic whatsoever, but I have to admit that, nowawdays, the whole Catalan nationalism story in wikipedia has me yawning more than fighting lately and I don't feel like engaging in this debate....but summer is long and boring and expect the unexpectable is always a good advice for this season in wikipedia.

One thing is sure: if we don't put an end to that (and both "historic" registered users as yourself and ¿new? ones under anon identity seem ready for round 2509 to start), this is going to be naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasty again! Are you ready for that too, Maurice?? And BNS? (I should check my forces before taking the decission of reaching out for my Colt 45, guys...)

Mountolive.-

Jawohl, Herr Kommandant... Reporting for duty! Ze engines of ze Stukas are heating up. Ve vill take off at your command! Ve vill show no mercy in zis terrible battle against ze evil ... "Hans!...Otto!... I vant zwei 500 pound bombs under ze vings of ze stuka in 5 minutes. Ze summer season is comming und ze Kommandant Von Ölberg must be proud of us! Ich habe verstanden????" --Maurice27 22:58, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

---

SEE? You just don't read!!!!!!!!! I'm not talking about statutes nor political reasons! I just gave you the names of the dictionaries used by both academies, the so-called "linguistical use". I'm not mixing political with linguistical. I'm only using linguistical sources. (I can't do anything if the valencian statute uses the same name than the academy).

The names used by both academies are, again:

• Spanish: (Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (see: [3]
• Valencian: (Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronunciació del valencià (see: [4])

--Maurice27 10:10, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

I don't think this debate is at all related to a purported Catalan nationalism, as Mountolive implies, and the debate so far, except for a couple of uncalled for exclamations, has remained calm. The previous discussions/debates pertained to the Valencian vis-à-vis Catalan situation, and, like Maurice27 said, we reached a somewhat stable consensus. This new debate that Casaforra is proposing, relates to the use of Castilian as a synonym for Spanish, something that hasn't been discussed.

I think I have somehow expressed my opinion in this matter in previous debates. Español and castellano are full synonyms and can be used interchangeably in Spanish regardless of the country in which the language is spoken and the context of the phrase. In English, however, this is not the case. The language is almost exclusively referred to as Spanish, whereas Castilian refers to the dialect/variation spoken in Spain, and even in some cases, exclusively to the north/central dialect and not to Andalusian Spanish. Even Britannica's article uses Castilian when referring to Spaniard Spanish and then compares it to "American Spanish" (not American Castilian).

While this article refers to an autonomous community of Spain, and therefore, arguably, the use of Castilian could be justified, I think the use of Castilian should be reserved to Spain's article, where it would make more sense to use the term, just as Britannica does. But I don't think it is necessary here. I rather stick to the general terms in English (i.e. Spanish and Catalan) [Even Britannica states that the language of Valencia is "Catalan", where a "Valencian dialect is noticeable"].

I don't have a strong opinion in this matter (Castilian/Spanish), and we should probably wait to see what other users have to say. While I prefer "Spanish", I don't particularly dislike the use of "Castilian", even though I would rather uses the phrases "...Castilian or Spanish", or even "... Castilian Spanish" (in reference to the Spaniard variation in contrast to American Spanish), instead of "Castilian (see names for the Spanish language)".

--the Dúnadan 18:12, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

Ok, I'll try to reply one by one:

Mountolive, of course, I remember when we were buddies. And I'm sure we can work together. Believe me, I'd love to. But in order to that it would be necessary to give reasons for the arguments or counter-arguments, and not to categorize each other with adjectives or prejudices. Read my posts and you won't find any adjective about you or any other user who disagrees me. Your reasoning seems to be something as "It was nasty before, please don't begin again". I agree, it was nasty before. But this time it hasn't to be so as long as we only discuss the sources, arguments and proposals. This is what I intend.

Dúnadan, the use of "Castilian" as a synonym of "Spanish language" was given in my first post:

Encyclopaedia Britannica: Castilian, which contains many words of Arabic origin, began as a dialect spoken in northern Spain. It became the language of the court of the kingdoms of Castile and León in the 12th century, and the dominance of Castile within Spain allowed it to become the official language of the state.

Maurice27, please, refrain yourself from writing disruptive comments not related to the debate ([5]).

By the way, you are, obviously, mixing political and linguistical facts:

As I said before the name of the languages are Spanish and Catalan if we are referring to linguistics. And your source agrees, the RALE dictionary is of the "Lengua Española" because it compiles the whole language (the spoken in America, too). The RALE is a very competent scientifical (and so, linguistical) institution.

But the AVL dictionary you provide is not scientifical source at all, but a political one. I'm sure you are fully aware that that institution was created by the politicians and their members are chosen by the politicians. So it's a political source.

The explanation about the use of the words "Spanish" and "Castilian" is easy:

* Spanish: When comparing to foraign languages (French, German, Chinese, ...)

* Castilian: When comparing to internal languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, ...)

(That's properly explained in the article Names given to the Spanish language)

That's why the dictionaries you provided before (español-inglés/inglés-español espagnol-français/francés-español español-catalan/catalá-espanyol español-alemán/deutsch-spanisch) used the word "Spanish", and that's why the "Castellano-Valenciano / Valencià-Castellà" dictionary used the word "Castilian".

You even claim not to be talking about Statutes. Well, that's not fair at all. During the previous debate about Valencian/Catalan you were using the Valencian Statute for your purposes. But this time I showed you that the very same article you were using for the "Valencian language" applies to "Castilian": Valencian Statute, Title 1, Article 6:

(into Spanish) 2. El idioma valenciano es el oficial en la Comunitat Valenciana, al igual que lo es el castellano, que es el idioma oficial del Estado. (...)

(own translation) 2. The Valencian language is official in the Comunitat Valenciana, so is Castilian, which is the official language of the [Spanish] State. (...)

So? You used political sources for the definition of the Catalan language as Valencian. Now I'm using the very same source for the Spanish language as Castilian.

But there's one big difference: You didn't want to explain that Valencian is a variant of the "Catalan language", while in my proposal I link Castilian to "Spanish language" and I add further info by providing also the article "Names given to the Spanish language".

See how unfair you are? You adhered to un-scientifical theories so that the word "Catalan" didn't appear in the definition of Valencian, it was a waste of time for all of us and we all had to suffer your uncivility for something as simple as "Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers)". That is: Valencian (politics) and Catalan (linguistics).

Now I'm offering a definition that joins the linguistical and the political reasons: Castilian (politics) and Spanish (linguistics):

The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers).

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 09:43, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

We should also to take in count the opinion of a self-claimed British person (and also here) that lives in Valencia. Since now, I will sign my intervention as "Benimerin". --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 10:00, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

I find myself in the somewhat uncomfortable position of largely agreeing with Dunadan.

Casa, hello again, I agree that internal Spanish usage tends towards Castellano when comparing with other indigenous Spanish languages, but in Britain and America (at least in the modern context), we use Spanish almost universally.

The question of Valencian and Catalan is a completely untrelated debate, being a question with a political dimension, and a source of (rather silly) linguistic controversy, Castilian/Spanish is just about English usage (as Dunanadan seems to have picked up}. Latin language billinguals often assume that because a cognate is valid between, say, Catalan and Spanish, it is also valid in English. In this case it isn't. Still if anyone has any other opinions, I'm all ears.

Boynamedsue 14:18, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

BNS, I don't think that I would feel uncomfortable if I ever agree you or anybody else who has different POVs from mine's. Actually, I'm pretty sure we two agree on something, whatever it is. The problem is that we are focusing on subjects we don't.  ;-)

I already assumed you would disagree about the use of "Castilian" instead of "Spanish" in the English wikipedia, since you tend you be very sensitive to the usage of your language. And believe me I like it! I happen to have the same feelings about mine's.

The problem here is that the two official languages are not treated fairly. The definition of Valencian/Catalan was forced with artificial reasons, and those same reasons are not applied to Castilian/Spanish.

* 1- The popular name of Catalan is Valencian.

* 1- And the popular name of Spanish is Castilian.

* 2- The political name of Catalan is Valencian (as stated in the Valencian Statute).

* 2- And the political name of Spanish is Castilian (as stated in the Valencian Statute and the Spanish Constitution).

In order to prevent misleads (and despite strong opposition of Maurice27, his political POVs and linguistical theories) we agreed to define "Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers)".

Now I'm suggesting to define Castilian and adding a link to an article that explains the usage of Castilian/Spanish.

In any way I'm removing info. It's the opposite, I'm trying to explain more deeply!

And yes, Castilian is a valid term in English when refering to the Spanish language, just take a look to the Encyclopaedia Brittanica article I provided above.

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 20:26, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

Again... Do I need to take the 12 pictures of my dictionaries? Because that would make 12 sources Vs. 1 source against your point... And I'm talking about the Real Academia Española, Larousse, Espasa-Calpe, Collins, Vox...

Just google for: Castilian-english --> ¡¡¡39!!! results [6]

And google for spanish-english --> 2.070.000 results [7]

Are you sure you want to continue with this? --Maurice27 20:57, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

Maurice27, I already replied to your dictionaries. Do you read others' posts?

Why don't you reply to my arguments?

Why your reasonings about Valencian/Catalan are not appliable to Castilian/Spanish?

It's you who forced a definition not based on linguistics but on politics! And fortunately we got that the linguitics POV was also present.

You wanted only "Valencian" to appear, based on "popular use" and name of the Statute. Now I'm explaining that, regarding Spanish, the popular name and the official name is Castilian, not Spanish.

You wanted every mention to Catalan to disappear, while I'm fully open to explain that Castilian and Spanish are the same language ("Castilian" links to "Spanish language" and there's further info in the article "'Names given..."):

The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers).

So, if you want linguistical reasons to prevail, then let's define that the official languages are Catalan and Spanish. If, otherwise, you want only political resons, let's stand for Valencian and Castilian. But my proposal explains both.

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 07:51, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Hi Cas. I appreciate your consideration, although I'm a little unhappy about my being so predictable.

All the arguments you present regarding the linguistic situation in Spain are at least within spitting distance of objective truth. But they describe Spanish terminology not English.

I don't think there is any need for us to try and change usage.

Boynamedsue 08:00, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Just to clarify, I see the Spanish/Castilian argument as sep from Cat/Val. Boynamedsue 08:45, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

I'm not changing any usage or inventing any new word. In English the word "Castilian" as a synonym of "Spanish language" exists, and I proved a very reputated source: The Encyclopaedia Britanicca.

Tell me why the political arguments used to define the Catalan language as Valencian are not appliable to the Spanish language as Castilian. Even more when a further article is added in order to explain the usage of both words.

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 09:07, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

1.- About my "disruptive comments not related to the debate ([8]". Did you really take a look at the "battle" link? I guess not, because if you had, instead of critizicing, you would be thanking me... “It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor.” - Max Eastman

2.- A funny thought I had the other night:

• You have been discussing and arguing for months that the opinion expressed in the catalan statute, by the catalan parliament, about declaring themselves a "nation" is to be respected as it is the will of the inhabitants which elected that parliament.
• But now you are discussing and arguing that the opinion expressed by the valencian statute, by the valencian parliament, about declaring their language "valencian" is not to be respected even if it is the will of the inhabitants which elected that parliament?

3.- Meanwhile, I have already proved that, following linguistical sources, both academies, spanish and valencian names, are to be used.

4.- You have not given any graphical source about any dictionary using the castilian-english names. On my part, I can give you 12 spanish-other language examples (español-catalan / catalá-espanyol included).

5.- You defend the idea of using castilian spanish ([9]), but that is the language spoken in Castile, a mere question of prononciation and accent. You also forgot to mention that the same article says that: "The prominence of people from these latter regions in the colonization of Latin America led to their pronunciation becoming the standard in American Spanish. The Cervantes Institute promotes the Spanish language and Spanish culture in many countries". Following your reasoning, we should talk about valencian spanish and andalusian spanish. Is that what you ask for? --Maurice27 10:06, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Maurice27, definitely you don't read others' post.

I'm not here to tease anybody, neither to read your jokes. You have a whole user page to write whatever you want. Do it there and use the wikipedia hardrives to store constructive posts, please.

I don't remember taking part in the Catalonia article [10]. Would you please enlighten me? Where's my contradiction "for months"?

By the way, do you want me to prove how reliable are your linguistical knowledges? At first you claimed Valencian to be a different language from Catalan (that is, blaverism); later you explained us that Catalan and Valencian are the very same language because they two are dialects of Occitan!

Was it another of your jokes?

You have proven absolutely nothing about Valencian used in the linguistical sources. I already told you the AVL is not a scientifical source, but a political one. Just name ONE university where "Valencian philology" is taught. Come on!

In English the name of the WHOLE languages are Spanish and Catalan. Castilian and Valencian are dialects of both languages, respectively. You want the name of one whole language (Spanish) to appear instead of the popular name and instead of the political name you claimed before for Catalan. Why? The reasons you applied for Catalan are not right for Spanish?

We already got to define Valencian (as stated in the Statute and the popular use) as Catalan (scientifical name). Why can't we define Castilian (as stated in the Statute and the popular use) as Spanish (scientifical name)?

Don't worry! With my proposal "Castilian" links to Spanish language and there's a link to an article that explains the usage of both names. Nobody will be misguided.

The problem is that right now we have a lacking definition: It says "The official languages are Spanish (scientifical name) and Valencian (political name) (as Catalan (scientifical name) is known)".

My proposal tries to include also the political and popular name of Spanish: Castilian. If not by my proposal how would you explain this? I suggested a sentence and I'm discuting it. As for now there is no other option.

Do you want to use only the political names? Ok, Valencian and Castilian.

Do you want to use only the linguistical names? Ok, Catalan and Spanish.

But I'm sure you agree me any of these alternatives is lacking the other truth. With my proposal both names appear and are explained.

By the way, please, don't bore me again with your dictionaries, I already explained you the use of those names: external (español) and internal (castellano). All of this is expanded in the article I propose to link: Names given to the Spanish language.

Maurice27, you are opposing to my proposal with repeated arguments, some of them with a political bias and some others I've proven false. What if you give an alternative sentence to define the other official language (Spanish/Castilian)? But beware, the reasonings you use for it are to be applied to Catalan/Valencian as well!

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 15:28, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

If you "don't have time to lose reading my jokes", I don't have much either for writing you 3 times the very same argument that you just don't want to admit! It is kind of hopeless having to repeat 3 times each argument... anyway... here we go again:

1.- 1st time: "As we once decided to use the linguistical reasons, following the dictates of the respective dictionaries of the academies, we must use:

• Spanish: (Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (see: [11]
• Valencian: (Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronunciació del valencià (see: [12])

Maurice27 09:39, 4 July 2007 (UTC)"

2.- 2nd time: "The names used by both academies are, again:

• Spanish: (Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (see: [13]
• Valencian: (Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronunciació del valencià (see: [14])

Maurice27 10:10, 4 July 2007 (UTC)"

3.- 3rd time: The names used by both academies, AVL and RAE, are (I hope it's last one):

• Spanish: (Diccionario de la Real Academia de la lengua Española (see: [15]
• Valencian: (Diccionari ortogràfic i de pronunciació del valencià (see: [16])

You asked me if:

• "Do you want to use only the political names?" --> NO
• "Do you want to use only the linguistical names?" --> YES (both academies state SPANISH and VALENCIAN)

I don't understand why your POV about the AVL being a political source is the correct one. As far as I'm concerned, it is composed of scholars and academics working to improve and consolidate the language's lexicon, grammar, onomastics and vocabulary... Just what a true academy is supposed to do!

Did I make my point clear? I said to use linguistical sources... IF (Academies = Linguistical Sources) THEN (Names to Use = Spanish & Valencian)

It isn't so difficult to understand, after all... --Maurice27 16:26, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

No, Maurice27, the AVL is not a linguistical source. Its members are chosen by politicians. Can you recall me any scientifical institution whose members are elected by politicians and not by their own merits? Can you tell me any University teaching "Valencian philology" as different from the "Catalan philology"?

It wasn't me who said that the Valencian/Catalan controversy you like to bring back was "rather silly"!

Actually, my first proposal doesn't touch at all the consensus about the definition we got about it ("Valencian (as Catalan is known...)"). The only thing I'm doing is applying the same arguments you claimed for it in order to explain the other official language, Castilian/Spanish.

Ok, so you disagree with

"The official languages are Castilian (see Names given to the Spanish language) and Valencian (as Catalan is known by its speakers)."

Do you agree with

"The official languages are Catalan and Spanish (known popularly and by the Valencian Statute as Valencian and Castilian, respectively)" ?

See? I'm offering alternatives to explain the linguistical, social and political names!

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 17:23, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

PD: I'm waiting for your enlightment about my incoherence "for months" in the Catalonia article. Or you could excuse yourself for accusing me in false...

Calm down the pair of you, no es pa tanto.

Cas, the main problem is English usage not Spanish politics. Everywhere you look you will see Castellano referred to first as Spanish, then Castillian given as a secondary name, sometimes labelled as archaic, sometimes not. Not one serious English language source gives Castilian as the prefered name.

If you want to pick at the pustulating scab of the Valenciano/Catalan debate, we can dig out the damned trenches again, fire the shells out in to no-man's land, and say our prayers in Latin (as Romano-Oscan is known by its speakers in that territory) one last time.

Dulce et decorum est pro nacionalitata historica mori.

However, I don't think anyone wants that.

Boynamedsue 15:32, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

BNS, I'm totally calmed down. Just compare the tone of my posts and Maurice27's.

I'm not re-opening any old thread about Catalan/Valencian. My first proposal doesn't touch the consensus we got. It's Maurice27 who is talking again about Valencian as a different language.

My proposal tries to join English usage, linguistical facts, popular names and political sources:

Catalan language is known popularly and by the Valencian Statute as "Valencian".

Spanish language is known popularly and by the Valencian Statute as "Castilian".

I've offered two proposals to explain both realities.

So my question is: What do you think about my suggested definitions? How would you improve them?

--Casaforra (parlem-ne) 16:03, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

Copying here recent discussions (from on vandalism)

Copying here recent discussions --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 06:45, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Dear Anon: while I don't doubt on the bona fide of your edits, before proceeding that boldy you should really look into this talk page, which include the archived ones and then you will notice how hot and controversial are some the topics you are mentioning above. It is not that easy as you seem to think: there are reasons on both sides and, apparently, we kinda reached some fragile consensus which we shouldn't destroy carelessly.

Mountolive.-

I'm not destroying anything. Correct flag used is 1:2, and I'm adding as main article all related. I consider the vandalism change made by you, apllying an very very restrictive and biased POV based on your personal thinkings. Wikipedia has not extension limit. So, why to cut texts that you think these shouldn't be there?. It's not alternative, I'm not touching any controversial topic, Valencian is Catalan, and viceversa, so both articles should be referenced. And about Sign Language, Valencian Deaf persons doesn't use Spanish Sign Language. If you don't like it, make your own mountolivewiki and express your embarrassaments, but here all true things must be said with any political and ideological disruption. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 12:45, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

Dear 84.120.254.73. I don't have an opinion on the flag issue, but we have someone who knows about this: Maurice27.

First of all, I never accused you of vandalism, did I? I will be waiting for your apologies on that, in the meantime, you should elaborate much more your contributions if you want to be taken seriously and calling me names is not enough reasoning.

Your starting point "wikipedia has not extension limit" is a quite bizarre tenet which you should explain. If you think about it, you may realize that this tenet is likely to take wikipedia to "anything goes", which is quite absurd.

Now, on the more particular issues, I am not denying that Valencian is Catalan and viceversa. Actually, precisely because Valencian is Catalan and viceversa, both names are not to be listed at the same time: wikipedia has a wide audience and they don't necessarily know that Valencian and Catalan are the same. If both are listed at the same time, there is the impression that they are different languages.

On the Valencian deaf sign language, I don't think it belongs here, still, if you have strong feelings about it, I will edit to add the Spanish sign language as well, since your claim "Valencian Deaf persons doesn't use Spanish Sign Language" should be proved.

More important than that, I wholeheartedly ask you to look into the archived talk pages and this one, to realize of how hard has been reaching some sort of compromise.

Mountolivewiki is a not too bad idea, but there is quite a lot of work here in wikipedia, try reaching consensus and, after, struggle to maintain it.

Mountolive.-

There's no reason to not to list all main articles related to this issue. There's no reason to apply a restrictive POV because of political feelings. I know that politically Valencian and Catalan are the same, and viceversa, but philologically these aren't the same, Catalan is the name of a language and Valencian is the name of a group of dialects in Catalan Eastern-block. And about Spanish Sign Language, it simply isn't being used here. If you think it's not true, you may prove it easilly. It's a nonsense that I should give proves of an inexistent thing, in the same case you should prove that in France no one speaks inuit language.

And about the flag, it's more easy, I like more 1:2 than the 2:3. There's no reason to choose exactly one of them because law does not specify the extension of Valencian flag. In the other side, I agree with Casaforra proposal. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 06:52, 3 July 2007 (UTC) PD: You seem to be a very very newbie to wikipedia if you haven't read Wikipedia:Article size yet. Please, do it first.

The "flag" point is not to be discussed in this section, but on the one above. Try not to mix points in the future. Oh... and untill you find a legal source stating the flag to be 1:2, restrain yourself from removing another one which does. Your statement "I like more 1:2 than the 2:3" is not enough. Now, back to the languages point. --Maurice27 07:49, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

No law is needed when it's obvious and traditional. And there are no source on Valencian Law which talks about 2:3 for the crowned senyera. There existist a valencian law that tells it's preferably (so it's not a norm) to be 2:3 for municipalities flags, but it doesn't talk about the Valencian flag. You can see the pic of Serrano Tower shown in the article, it's a proof.

If you can't see it's 1:2, probably you're blind.

I will you explain why it's one-half: Historically the army of the "Centenar de la ploma", soldiers with the only function of take care of the crowned Valencian Senyera in the XVI century. In these epoca the shape of the senyera always was made as swallowtailed and very-very large senyera with a crown sided to the hoist:

And it had been hoisted in every of the 12 towers that in Valencia city existed (now these are only two), in order these can be shown from the Mediterranean sea. When you see the portulans (see images at ca:Bandera del País Valencià in wp:ca) you can see that it's very large. So, the tradition tells us that the "unique trustly only one" senyera was those taken care by the Centenar de la ploma and, as a result of it, the most institutional and honoured form is a large flag. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 08:20, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

I will not continue to discuss this matter. Just read all the archived content and find all answers to your questions. It's all in the archives. The only legal source to date, states 2:3 proportions, period! --Maurice27 09:02, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

I will not accept your changes. I've seen the archived, and the source you tell aren't valid. Deffinitelly you're blind:

• "Spanish Vexillological Society" is not a governamental institution and there are no explicit textual mention about the proportions for every flag.
• Article 4.1 of the new Statute of Autonomy is silent on proportions, saying simply that it is the "traditional" Senyera
• "DECRETO 116/1994, de 21 de junio" is about simbols only for municipalities

So any of the source given by Maurice aren't valid. And the "traditional" is 1:2 as the history tells and the pics are showing.

Tradition is based on history, and History shows through portulans:

File:Senyeres a l'atlas de Cresques (1375).JPG

Portulan of Abraham Cresques in 1375, it shows 1:2.

Portulan of Gratiosus Benincasa in 1473, it shows shallowtailed and 1:2.

You have here a very extensivelly list of portulans showing that starting 15th century the Valencian crowned senyera was always very large (do not confuse between standarts and flags). You also have a pic of a senyera ported by the Centenar de la Ploma in 1526, where you can also see it's 2:1 and shallowtailed. This last hand-pencil drawing is now in the Hispanic Society of America.

--Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 09:23, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

If you want us to accept a XIV century flag, which is not even the same one used today, you are not going on the good way. Saying that a Vexillological Society is not a valid source is just hillarious and I'm not going even to answer to your explanation about the decree (¡A LAW!).

You talk about traditional flags of Valencia. Take a look at their proportions:

• Senyera valenciana preautonòmica [17]: 2:3 proportions
• Senyera valenciana de l'Estatut de Benicàssim [18]: 2:3 proportions
• Estrelada valenciana [Image:Senyera del nacionalisme valencià.png]: 2:3 proportions
• Senyera d'Esquerra Valenciana (1931) [Image:Senyera d'Esquerra Valenciana (1931).png]: 2:3 proportions

And all that negliging you are making of this flag the ONLY senyera in the world without 2:3 proportions

Anyway if you want to believe valid sources, just take a look to the flag displayed in front of the Palau de la Generalitat Valenciana, the CLEARER 2:3 flag you will EVER see. [19]. --Maurice27 10:03, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

None of the senyeres you show are the crowned senyera, are different flags. The decree talks about flags for municipalities, not for the flag of the Valencian Community. The only decree wich talks about Valencian flags are silent on proportions. I talk about history because the nowadays decree talks about tradition, so History should be explained. Yes, 2:3 are used as a common flag, but 1:2 are are used as solemn and, so, more representative. If you don't want to discuss I won't accept your brute-forced-reversions. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 10:28, 4 July

2007 (UTC)

Ohhhhhh, I forgot that now we may have flags for "common use" or for "solemn use" ROFL... And who decides which one to use each day? The receptionist of the Palau or the policeman at the door? Your answers are funnier each time! Please continue...

BTW, it was you who started talking about "tradicional flags"... Not me.

Meanwhile, and because of this kind of explanations by the anon user (which I might consider to include in my quotes list), I will, again, add the 2:3 flag. Sorry everybody for the continous reverts which are troubling the existance of this, otherwise, finally peaceful article. --Maurice27 23:20, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

Yes, there are common used flags and solem flags. A exemple: the common flag of Spain often do not include the Spanish coat of arms. But, in the other side, the solemn flag of Spain does. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:57, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

It's very easy to explain: When valencian politicians agreed a decree about Valencian flag where about proportions are silent, but they exactly say the traditional senyera, you must see sources before 1983, the year when decree was approved. If you give a source of a 2:3 proportion of valencian senyera used before 1983, then perhaps we may consider it as traditional. Meanwhile, I've already gave sources before and after 1983 of an 1:2 senyera. So your proposal is unsourced until that. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 16:07, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

You said it yourself... the traditional senyera... And you saw that ALL the traditional senyeras used by the valencian community are of 2:3 proportions. Thanks for giving me arguments. Thanks for admitting the senyera coronada is 2:3... Thanks a lot!

What sources are you talking about? I haven't seen none! --Maurice27 17:00, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

What did mean "traditional" in 1983 year, when Valencian decree about Valencian flag was approved? Give us sources before 1983 of a senyera in 2:3 proportions. I've gave sources of 1:2, before and after 1983 year. If you don't see lot of sources I've gave above, so you're blind. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:22, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

The pic Image:Palau de la Generalitat del País Valencià 1.jpg is also of the Valencian Government building, the Palau de la Generalitat. Clic on the image to see it large and see the Valencian flag at the top: it's 1:2. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:36, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

Another important Valencian building, the "Lonja de la Seda", a pic shows also a 1:2 valencian crowned senera. If you want to be reliable, you must first to give a source of a 2:3 senyera before 1983. Only by this way we can consider it "traditional". --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:39, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

In ca:Torres de Quart and in Torres de Serranos there are also another 1:2 flags, see at Image:Torres de Quart2.JPG, Image:Valencian flag atop guard tower.jpg and Image:Torres de Serrano.JPG --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:47, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

Semi-Protection of the article

As I'm pretty sure this anon is nothing else than a registered user which likes "vandalising" and edit-warring in his free time, I ask admins to check his IP with current and normal users of this article.

As this anon is not giving sources, references and is not listening to sources given by others, I ask to semi-protect the article. --Maurice27 17:15, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

sounds fair to semi protect, since this anon user is behaving quite like a rogue, editing without any trace of seeking consensus first and calling "vandalising" any editing of his own lot. That is not the attitude we need here.

Mountolive

I demand entire protection, a semi-protection would not be equal, as Maurice27 avoids to discuss and plays a brute-forced-reversion game with this article. I've gave a lot of sources and discussing topic in this talk page. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:27, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

it is a matter of fairness: the article shouldn't be entirely blocked from editing just because there is an anon who doesn't want to register. Everyone involved with this article is registered, and so the anon should. Mountolive.

You shouldn't obligate me to register if I don't wish. Wikipedia, according to GNU, everyone can edit it, and a registered user have no more rights than an anonymous user in encyclopedic contents. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 17:34, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

Correct. But if no one is allowed to force anyone to register, even less is anyone allowed to block the entire page just because he doesn't want to register. It is a matter of good faith.

By the way, this is a quite troublesome page and your reluctancy to register, even trying to force the whole article's block just for you not to get registered, it puts a serious strain on the good faith we presume about you.

In other words: the not registered users policy is for those editing in good faith, this is a quite troublesome article where all the usual contributors are registered and we can't presume good faith if you fail to register yourself, specially when, on the other side, you also fail to let other users (registered or not) edit themselves.

Mountolive.

Now, I'm not even allowed to continue editing the rest of the article. The anon even reverts me in changing pictures in the general sections. (see: [20]). --Maurice27 17:38, 5 July 2007 (UTC)

I have reported this anon for being acting without any trace of respect for consensus reached (he claims not even knowing anything about any consensus). I have asked for him to be blocked until he reads the talk pages, gets more civil and willing to cooperate instead of editing at his will. Mountolive.

Where's the consensus?. It's needed to explain that Catalan and Spanish are named as Valencian and Castilian to English-speakers, specially in Language section. It's the actually consensus out of here. I've read the talk page, and I've already write a lot about this topic. You not. This article is excessivelly oriented to local politics, and it should be improved in order to be descriptive and better explained to English-speaker persons, as this encyclopedia is supposed to be mainly oriented to them. --Benimerin - كُنْ ذكورا إذا كُنْت كذوب - 09:30, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Semi-protection seems premature at the moment, but the article is on my watchlist. Physchim62 (talk) 16:25, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Back to previous version proposal

As the anon user (aka Benimarin) has been blocked, I propose to turn back to revision as of 11:09, 29 June 2007 by Mountolive which can be seen here [21]

• Maurice27: I agree --Maurice27 18:35, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Seems a bit heavy handed to me—why don't you just edit the article as is stands at the moment? This is a wiki, after all! Knee-jerk reverting is rarely a good idea: editing from the current position gives you a chance to think if what you are typing is really what you're trying to say. Physchim62 (talk) 18:42, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Done. --Maurice27 19:16, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

In the previous debate concerning the flag, I "closed" the debate once Maurice27 had provided a legal source for the flag, which seemed a valid source. Many concerns were raised afterwards, which have been left unanswered (as to whether the legal document pertains only to municipal flags ). I am currently not living in Spain, though if my memory serves me right, I recall seeing the 2:1 flag. The anon has provided several pictures of government institutions displaying the 2:1 flag, and claiming that the legal source thus far provided pertains exclusively to municipal flags, and not to the flag of the autonomous community. May I ask of Maurice27 (or any other user who currently resides in the Valencian Community), to kindly provide a clear (fully stretched out, not folded, or partially hidden, like the previous one) of a 2:3 flag that would settle this debate once and for all, preventing any recurring vandalism or, if not provided, the unnecessary blockage of otherwise good-intentioned editors? --the Dúnadan 15:51, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

Again... Any picture of a 1:2 flag in an official building has been shown. Only in historic buildings... Any legal source... Any vexillological source...

On my part:

• Explanation by the Sociedad Española de Vexilología (SEV) about its 2:3 proportions
• Pictures of 2:3 flags hoisted on the most notorious valencian government building (the Palau de la Generalitat)
• A decree published in the BOCV
• Another picture, this one of the spanish senate. It can be clearly seen that the valencian flag (6th from left to right) has exactly the same length and width as all the others, excepth for the Ikurriña which has 14:25 proportions (half way between 2:3 and 1:2):

Flags in front of the Spanish Senate (Madrid)

I sincerely doubt that any other matter in dispute in wikipedia worldwide has more sources, references or proofs that the ones I have contributed with. ONLY flags hoisted in official buildings (legislative, executive and/or judiciary branches) in Spain do have an strict protocolary code.

May I ask this matter to be, finally closed? --Maurice27 16:46, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

To be honest with you, I cannot see the Valencian flag fully stretched out to confirm that it has 2:3 proportions, it could easily be a folded 2:1. Like I said, can anyone provide a picture of a stretched out flag of 2:3 proportions? Please repost the 2:3 fully stretched out flag of the Palau de la Generalitat, if that is the case. A simple picture would confirm the unanswered concern that the decree you kindly provided does indeed apply to the Flag of the Valencian Community and not exclusively to municipal flags. --the Dúnadan 16:58, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

Here's another ([22]) I was able to find from the council of Alcoy. Even if not deployed, picture is taken so close that is very easy to compare the length and width with the flag of Alcoy (a 2:3 flag see:[23]). This makes another source in an official building. --Maurice27 10:25, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

I would like to point out that it is possible to a territory to have an unofficial flag in addition to the official. I found out that, the very same European Union has an unofficial alternative flag with a ratio of 3:7, rather than 2:3, in the Strasbourg hemicycle. (see: [24]). --Maurice27 10:35, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Creation of the article "Flag of Valencia"

You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well. --Maurice27 18:11, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Vandals

If I see that comes an anonymous makes some changes that go agains the consensous, I directly revert it. If you think not only blaverists oppose to consider it the same language, it's you the one who has to add the {{fact}} template, not just take it out.--Xtv - (my talk) - (que dius que què?) 22:52, 20 August 2007 (UTC)

One same reasoning for the 2 languages and their 4 names

(This debate retakes the previous section Castilian, official language)

As for now (Friday, 24-08-07) the lead section about languages says so:

"The official languages are Spanish and Valencian (name given to Catalan language)"

And as have been said before, I disagree this sentence because it doesn't explain at all the political, popular and linguistical situation of both languages. Also, stating that Catalan is named Valencian but on purpose missing out that Spanish is named Castilian is not fair.

That's why I suggested a new sentence that would be something as:

"The official languages are Catalan and Spanish (known popularly and by the Valencian Statute as Valencian and Castilian, respectively)"

Where Catalan links to Catalan language, Spanish links to Spanish language, Valencian links to Valencian and Castilian links to Names given to the Spanish language.

Unfortunately, the debate was interrupted by the Request of Arbitration regarding Catalonia and the Valencian Community, but I see no reason to forget it since the debate on the Catalonia talk page has been ongoing.

My proposal aims to join up the pure linguistical names (Catalan and Spanish), with the popular names (Valencian and Castilian), these ones being backed by the Valencian Statute and the Spanish Constitution. My attempt was properly understood by Physchim62:

"Casa seems to thinks that two PoVs make an NPoV" [25]

So, indirectly, he agrees me that both PoVs have to be explained, but that at the moment there are two different reasonings aplied to both official languages.

So, leaving out unscientifical claims, some more people seems to agree me, as well:

• Boynamedsue: "All the arguments you present regarding the linguistic situation in Spain are at least within spitting distance of objective truth." [26]
• Mountolive: A very similar proposal:

"The languages spoken are Castilian (as the Statute and Valencian speakers call Spanish) and Valencian (as Catalan is historically known by its speakers in this territory, also institutionalized by the Statute)" [27].

• Physchim62: "Catalan is also an official language in the autonomous community of Catalonia and (under the name of Valencian) in the Communidad Valenciana." [28]
• Physchim62: "we "must" explain to people that Valencian is actually Catalan" [29]

And so, we "must also" explain that Castilian is actually Spanish.

I hope my sentence defines properly the status of Catalan/Valencian & Spanish/Castilian:

"The official languages are Catalan and Spanish (known popularly and by the Valencian Statute as Valencian and Castilian, respectively). The Statute of Autonomy of 2006 declares Valencian to be the language 'proper to the Valencian Community' ("llengua pròpia") ."

Please note that I'm only adding a note linking to the Statute of Autonomy in PDF [30], this way I explain furtherly about the "llengua pròpia", a difficult term to translate which I copied as "language proper to..." from the Catalonia talk page.

So, let me know your comments, opinions or suggestions. I only want to reach a consensued version that treats fairly both official languages, that fits the two PoVs, and, hence, we all may revert to when the usual vandals appear. --Casaforra (parlem-ne) 17:32, 24 August 2007 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:Flag of Valencia Autonomo community.png

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Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 23:24, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

Morella

There are several pages that used to link to "Morella," a short story by Edgar Allan Poe. To avoid the confusion, I've fixed them all (I think). However, Morella, as I understand, is a fairly major city and I would like to recommend that someone with some knowledge create an article for it, even if it's just a stub for now, so these pages can still link to something. --Midnightdreary 15:33, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

According to the Ports (comarca) article, the name somebody else chose for the Valencian city is Morella (Spain), click on it and feel free to create the article yourself or translate from the Catalan wiki (Morella) or Spanish wiki (Morella).

Once it's done you might also use this template at the beginning of the Poe's Morella article in order to notice wiki readers about the Valencian city:

{{for|the Valencian city|Morella (Spain)}}

If there are many articles named "Morella" I'd suggest you to create a "Disambiguation page" like this one: Valencia.

As far as I know the main amount of Valencian cities have been created by bots, so it's just a matter of time until anyone begins it, but I guess it's better if you write it since you look to know that city. --Casaforra (parlem-ne) 19:52, 24 October 2007 (UTC)

I created that "Morella (Spain)" redlink just as a placeholder so people wouldn't end up in the wrong spot. I changed my mind and just removed wikilinks in other articles. I have no knowledge of or any particular interest in this province so I won't be starting it myself; I was just working on Edgar Poe-related articles and came across the incorrect wikilinking. In the meantime, maybe a disambig page is a good place to start. Anyway, that's that. :) --Midnightdreary 22:59, 24 October 2007 (UTC)