This essay involves comparing the Catalan and Spanish (not Catalan) ethnic groups, the two main groups found in Spain, in terms of linguistics. As both groups have their own language, we will be focusing on what attitude each group has in regards to the Catalan and Spanish language. In addition, we will be investigating their attitudes about the people belonging to these two ethnic groups.

The purpose of this study is to affirm if these groups have a positive or negative attitude regarding each other, specifically in terms of language. As language is a part of the ethnic identity, we will also analyze which components of the ethnic identity are most important to each group. In order to achieve this, we will first and foremost study closely, and present, the concept of ethnic identity and its various components.

We made use of questionnaires in order to gather information about the Catalan and Spanish (not Catalan) people and their languages, which were answered by 60 Catalans and 30 Spaniards.