When learning a new language, getting to grips with historical terms and phrases can greatly enrich your understanding of the culture and past events. In the case of Catalan, a language spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and some parts of France and Italy, diving into its historical lexicon can be extremely fascinating. In this article, we’ll look at some of these words and phrases, giving you a window into the rich history of the regions where Catalan is spoken.

Senyera
The senyera is the historical and official flag of various territories in the Crown of Aragon, including Catalonia. The design features red stripes on a golden background. This term not only has historical relevance but is also a symbol of Catalan identity.

Quan vaig visitar el museu, vaig veure una senyera antiga en una vitrina.

Furs
The term furs refers to the historical charters granted to the territories of the historic Crown of Aragon. They were the equivalent to medieval laws and provided autonomous rights and unique juridical regulation.

Els furs de València encara són reconeguts com a part important de la història jurídica valenciana.

Conseller
A conseller or consellera in Catalan refers to a government councilor or a minister within the autonomous governments of the Catalan-speaking regions. Historically, it also referenced the members of municipal councils.

El conseller d’educació ha anunciat canvis en el currículum escolar.

Corts Catalanes
The Corts Catalanes were the legislative assemblies of Catalonia during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. They played a critical role in the government of Catalonia, particularly in financial and military matters.

Les Corts Catalanes van tenir molta influència durant el segle XV.

Compromís de Casp
The Compromís de Casp was an important historical agreement and elective monarchy pact in 1412, which resolved a succession crisis in the Crown of Aragon after the death of King Martin. It was decided through a compromise by appointed representatives, which led to the election of Ferdinand I as the new king.

El Compromís de Casp és un exemple únic de solució pacífica d’una disputa dinàstica.

Usatge
The usages were laws in the Principality of Catalonia during the Middle Ages. They formed an early code of law, which was a compilation of customs and legal practices that regulated civil society and its governance.

Els usatges de Barcelona van ser la base del sistema jurídic de Catalunya medieval.

Guerra dels Segadors
The Guerra dels Segadors, or Reapers’ War, was a conflict that took place from 1640 to 1652, partly as a result of the resentments in Catalonia against the policies of the Spanish king Philip IV. The event is commemorated annually on June 11th, the National Day of Catalonia, known as the Diada.

La Guerra dels Segadors és recordada com una lluita per la defensa dels drets i les llibertats catalanes.

Pactisme
Pactisme refers to the political system in medieval Catalonia where the king could not establish general laws without the consent of the Corts Catalanes, epitomizing the negotiation and pact-based culture between the aristocracy and the monarch.

El pactisme va ser una manera de limitar el poder reial i promoure un govern més participatiu.

Barcelonins
Historically, barcelonins were the citizens of Barcelona, but the term can also refer to things related to or originating from Barcelona. Today, it is simply used as the demonym for residents of the city.

Els barcelonins van celebrar la victòria del seu equip amb una gran festa al centre de la ciutat.

Learning these historical Catalonian terms and phrases not only provides a deeper understanding of the language but also offers insights into the socio-political landscapes and the ethos of the times when these terms were coined. As you continue your language journey, embracing these historical facets will give you a more profound appreciation of Catalan culture and history.