Connecting Consumers and Catalan-Committed Shops
Tenimllengua.cat, a new online platform, has launched to help Catalan-speaking consumers identify shops and services that provide customer support in the local language. Backed by advocacy group Plataforma per la Llengua, the tool allows users to search for, add, and review businesses based on their use of Catalan in interactions. The initiative responds to ongoing concerns about linguistic discrimination in commercial settings, where some customers report being denied service in Catalan. The platform aims to reduce such incidents by making visible those establishments that respect linguistic rights.
Tenimllengua.cat neix en un context en què molts consumidors no poden exercir amb normalitat el seu dret a ser atesos en català, i pretén facilitar la connexió entre empreses que garanteixen aquest servei i clients que ho valoren positivament.
Users can access the directory without registering, though signing up, free with an email address, enables them to contribute reviews and share experiences. The site is presented as a strategic consumer network, encouraging support for businesses that actively use Catalan.
Private Initiative with Institutional Support
Developed by language activists Marc Pujol and Arnau Olivé, Tenimllengua.cat builds on the legacy of CatalApp, a previous app by Plataforma per la Llengua that allowed users to rate linguistic service quality across Catalan-speaking territories. That tool was discontinued in 2022 due to technical challenges and high maintenance costs. Plataforma per la Llengua has provided advisory support to the new project and confirmed that its members will receive a 50% discount on annual fees for businesses wishing to highlight their commitment through the platform.
The organisation views the tool as part of a broader push for responsible consumption with a linguistic dimension. It argues that using Catalan is not only a legal obligation but also a form of corporate social responsibility that strengthens community ties and fosters customer loyalty. Businesses that join can differentiate themselves in a market where more consumers are considering the social impact of their spending. In time, organisers hope the platform will become self-sustaining through participation fees from listed establishments. For users, the immediate benefit is clear: knowing where they can be served in Catalan without conflict. For businesses, it offers visibility among a growing segment of socially aware customers.
Reported by elnacional.cat, Jordi Martín, Lourdes Sarrion, plataforma-llengua.cat, Nació Digital, Jordi Pueyo Busquets, Emili Bella, ACN / REDACCIÓ, VilaWeb, Exa, Redacción, Racó Català.
