Happy to oblige…

http://www.directe.cat/article/seria-logic-que-la-convidada-fos-la-llengua-catalana-a-frankfurt-1385

Let’s be clear on this:

1) Frankfurt is a literature or book fair.
2) The Guest of Honour is Catalan literature.
3) The organisers picked up the Institut Ramon Llull to co-ordinate the event.
4) The IRL represents Catalan-language writers from across all the Catalan speaking territories.

Catalan literature is literature written originally in Catalan, and anyone else who tries to corrupt this debate introducing the factor of Spanish-language writers residing in Catalonia is simply trying to change the definition of Catalan literature to suit their political agenda.

Mendoza made the remarks quoted above while visiting the Instituto Cervantes office in New York, where, you guessed it, a Catalan-language writer has never been invited.

This “debate” is exposing everyone’s hypocrisy, double standards and political prejudices in a most revealing way.

Neil,
After some discussion, the general consensus around here is that the Frankfurt Book Fair should simply be viewed as a wonderful opportunity for Catalonia to garner international exposure for its culture and its language. Additionally we all agreed, surprisingly without dissent, that Catalonia's mother tongue happens to be Catalan and not Spanish.

I direct you to an interview of a couple of Catalan writers that have a humorous take on the subject (http://tinyurl.com/2om4e8). By the way, a good point was raised in that it would be extremely interesting to read the actual views of Catalonia-based Castilian writers concerning their absence from the fair. We would appreciate it if you (or any of our readers) could point us toward some of this content. Thanks.

The official press release concerning the Fair's invitation states that this is to be a celebration of Catalan Language And Literature.

I quoted it for you and I provided a link. I can't read it for you.

As to whether it's right that Spanish language writers are excluded from the invite, I don't have much of an opinion on that. I find it difficult to think of one Spanish or Catalan writer who I've enjoyed reading so as far as I'm concerned, they can invite whoever they like: it'll still be full of fatuous bumpkins.

So lets see if I understand this correctly. Catalan culture is guest of honour. But those who "control" Catalan culture (Mas, Monty et al???) say they are focussing on Catalan language and literature at the book fair. Is that correct?

Regardless, I will still stick to my stance on Catalan Literature as stated. If anyone can come up with a good reason for why it is better to take the exclusionist stance and why that should be the way, I'd like to hear it. Barcelona Reporter may have tried but only managed to bring repression into it without clearly stating why it was relevant.

Tom, I expect a news reporting website to accurately state the facts and to not make things up, especially if it is engaging in dialogue with its users and trying to put its own spin on things. Whilst I may have over stepped the mark in this thread (mainly due to confusion I'd say, but yes, the stupid remark was a bit harsh), I do not remember "sniping" at BR before. According to you though, it looks like I am however begining to fit into the new way of things here since the change of ownership - criticism of BR will be met with equal criticism and sarcasm by the looks of things (eg: http://tinyurl.com/35dfeo ). Presumably this is the tone of things the new owner has in mind. Some things never change though. I can usually rely on you Tom to pop over my shoulder, beak open wide, squawking away, trying to get your little dig at me in typically trite fashion, but without putting anything worthwhile into any discussion. Maybe you can confirm my question above, state your opinion or even some facts to back up your own rational argument or opinion...