* Catalan: This is the official language of Barcelona and Catalonia. It is spoken by a majority of the population.
* Spanish (Castilian): This is the official language of Spain, and it is also widely spoken in Barcelona. Most people in Barcelona are bilingual in Catalan and Spanish.
* Other languages: Barcelona is a very diverse city, and there are many people who speak other languages, such as English, French, Arabic, etc.
So, while Barcelona has two official languages, Catalan and Spanish, the majority of the population speaks both. It's more accurate to say that Barcelona is a bilingual city.
Why does Barcelona have two official languages?
* Historical reasons: Catalan has been spoken in Barcelona for centuries, even before the unification of Spain. After the Spanish Reconquista, Catalan became the official language of the region. In the 18th century, Spanish became the official language of Spain and was imposed on Catalonia.
* Cultural identity: Catalan is seen as a symbol of Catalan identity and culture.
* Political reasons: Catalonia has a strong movement for independence from Spain, and the use of Catalan is a key part of this movement.
It's important to remember that:
* Not everyone in Barcelona speaks Catalan fluently. There are many people who only speak Spanish.
* The use of Catalan and Spanish can vary depending on the context (formal vs. informal situations, work vs. home, etc.).
* There is a debate in Barcelona about the relative importance of Catalan and Spanish. Some people believe that Catalan should be given more prominence, while others believe that Spanish is the more important language for economic and social reasons.
Overall, Barcelona is a city with a rich linguistic heritage, and the use of Catalan and Spanish reflects its unique history and culture.