Choosing to study Catalan was the best choice of my university career. Hi, my name is Lucy, and I am a master’s student studying Catalan Studies here at the University of Liverpool. Six years ago, I moved to Liverpool from Manchester to study a degree in French and Hispanic Studies. Starting Hispanic Studies as a Spanish beginner, I had no clue what awaited me in this field however, I was soon to find that it would lead me down an amazing path that I could not have anticipated then.
In my second year of university, I was offered the opportunity to study either Catalan, Basque, or Portuguese as part of my Hispanic Studies modules. This choice is normally offered to first-year students, but as a double major, I had to wait a little longer. Many things drew me to the different languages offered; Basque seemed the most intriguing adventure, studying what is widely considered the oldest language in Europe. Portuguese provided the opportunity to explore more of South American culture- something I was already interested in. But there was something about Catalan that drew me in; growing up a proud Mancunian (probably a controversial statement in a blog published in Liverpool!), collective identity and pride are something that has always interested me, and Catalan people are, arguably, some of the most passionately proud communities in Europe.
It is this sense of identity and belonging that has shaped my experience as a Catalan student over the past four years. Here’s a little more about that:
My first major immersion in Catalan culture was on my year abroad, where I spent a semester studying at the University of Girona. Whilst living in this city, just over sixty miles north of Barcelona, I was welcomed into Catalan culture with open arms, quite literally. Although I had only studied Catalan for one year prior to this, any time I spoke the language, locals were thrilled, would hug me, and were incredibly welcoming. During this time, I made some incredible friends, was invited to people’s homes for tea and explored the beautiful surroundings of this city (where Game of Thrones was filmed). I also lived just inland from the Costa Brava, where I would often ride my bike along some of the most scenic landscapes in Europe. Honestly, it was the best six months of my life!
Just shortly after this, I was able to go to a fully-funded summer school in Mallorca with the Institut Ramon Llull, the body in charge of promoting the Catalan language and culture abroad. On this trip, I spent two weeks with Catalan learners from across the world (as far as Mexico and China), all brought together by our love of this language. During this time, we were guided around the island, given cooking classes by local chefs, and had classes with some amazing teachers. I even celebrated my birthday here and was interviewed on the radio!
With the work of the Institut Ramon Llull, I also attended a Catalan translation seminar, which they funded at the University of Liverpool, and I was able to once again meet some people in this field and be mentored by academics and translators, who provided us with tips and advice for careers in translation. You can read more about this experience in my previous blog post.
More recently, I attended the Anglo-Catalan society conference, hosted by the University of Newcastle. During this weekend, I was able to connect with some incredible academics in the field of Catalan studies who, again, welcomed me with open arms, encouraging me with my research and sharing their unique insights into the Catalan world. I have now made many contacts with those I met at the conference, and many have helped suggest new opportunities for my learning, such as attending the Universitat catalana d’estiu, which offers Catalan summer schools in the South of France, as well as pointing me in new directions with my research.
Whilst all of these experiences have been incredible and have greatly changed both who I am as a person and what I study, none of this would be possible without the amazing Catalan department at the University of Liverpool. The wonderful Catalan lecturer Pol Masdeu Cañellas (and previously Joan Mas Font), alongside my incredible supervisor, Professor Diana Cullell Teixidor, have provided me with so much support and so many opportunities in my time with them. From suggesting I embark on most of the experiences above, to organising Catalan cultural events in Liverpool (like Tió de Nadal Christmas celebrations, cooking classes and film screenings).
With this being Liverpool’s centenary of Catalan Studies, 2026 has been more incredible than any other year, with loads of opportunities afforded to those involved in its study. I am now also excited to explore the wider Catalan-speaking world in the coming year, looking to France, Sardinia, and Valencia. Studying Catalan has been the most wonderful surprise, and if you choose to take that leap, you will be met with so many great experiences and a proud, passionate community ready
Visit our dedicated Catalan Centenary webpage.
Interested in studying a degree that focuses on Catalan culture and politics?
Discover how to combine Catalan studies with other degrees at undergraduate level.
Discover the Catalan pathway in the Modern Languages and Cultures MRes at postgraduate level.