Locals in Menorca speak Menorcan (Menorquí), a charming dialect of Catalan, alongside Castilian, which is often referred to as 'standard' Spanish.
You'll notice that many signs are either in Catalan or bilingual, which explains the dual names for several places: Mao/Mahón, Binibequer/Binibeca, and Isla del Rey/Illa del Rei. On bus signs and schedules, Catalan takes the lead.
Understanding and appreciating this linguistic distinction is essential, as it highlights the island's rich sociocultural and political heritage. For visitors, though, the bilingual nature of Menorca won't pose much of a challenge; English is widely spoken in tourist areas and throughout the hospitality industry.
It's always a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish phrases or use any Spanish you know rather than relying solely on English. You won't be expected to speak Catalan, but a little effort goes a long way.
Lastly, you might come across 'Minorca' instead of 'Menorca' in older English texts or online—this older spelling is gradually falling out of use.
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