If you meet a native of France or Spain, he will most likely speak French or Spanish, as the national language of his country of origin. However, a significant number of people also speak a cultural language. The importance of these languages ​​on the north versus south side of the Pyrenees is substantial. Catalan, spoken in northeastern Spain and southeastern France, and Basque, a language isolate spoken in northern Spain and southwestern France, are minority languages. Both are distinct from Castilian Spanish with their own literature, people and culture. While Basque and Catalan are prevalent in their respective Spanish autonomous communities, the “border” of the Països Catalans (Catalan Countries) and Euskal Herria (Basque Country) extends into southern France. I will discuss the status of Basque and Catalan in their respective cultural regions, the social, political and economic implications of the two languages ​​and cultures, and the effect the border between France and Spain has on these communities. Historical oppression of identity and culture by the Spanish has created social tensions between these groups and the Castilians in Spain. During the period of Francisco Franco's dictatorship, attempts to centralize and assimilate Spanish were at their highest levels, with these regional languages ​​banned from use in publications, official documents and public speeches in the 16th century and again in the 1930s , although Basque and Catalan in particular had continued de facto use in government and confidential interactions (Alguera 89). This attempt at assimilation had occurred before in the French state, as discussed early on with the success of French public education and promotion of the language. However, in Spain... half of the article... ce: Facing Supranational And Infranational Challenges." International Journal Of The Sociology Of Language 1999.137 (1999): 39-66. Spencer, Anthony and Stephen Croucher. "Basque Nationalism and spiral of silence: an analysis of public perceptions of ETA in Spain and France". Conference papers - International Communication Association (2006): 1-30. Spencer, Anthony and Stephen Croucher And the terrorist group ETA: an analysis of perceptions in France and Spain." Conference Papers -- National Communication Association (2007): 1.Stoica, Alina and Mirela Mărcul. "Communication and nationalism on the Franco-Spanish border. The Basque Country." Eurolimes 12.(2011): 162-174.Walton, John. "Iparralde and the imaginary south: tourism, the Basques and the myths of the Midi in 20th century France." Nottingham French Studies. 50.01 (2011): 105-116.