Good to know · Community
Asturian language and place names (asturianu, Xixón)
Asturian (bable/asturianu) is a protected traditional language under Law 1/1998 but not co-official, and Gijón’s official name in Asturias’s toponymy listing is 'Gijón / Xixón'.
- Why it matters
- You’ll see Xixón on signs and hear asturianu in culture and media; Spanish is what you need for admin, but knowing the language’s status avoids confusion.
- When
- You notice bilingual signs or wonder if you need to learn Asturian.
- Official page
- Ley 1/1998 de uso y promoción del bable/asturiano
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 3 steps, what to bring (4 items), and tips and what to watch for, with every official source.