60

After defining the domain of Romance languages and selecting those that are the most prominent—which happens to correspond to those languages that have been accepted by the Latin Union—the authors explore the weight of each language in terms of Calvet’s Barometer, which itself is discussed briefly. Evidence of the importance of Romance languages is presented in relation both to the place of the individual languages selected (Catalan, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish) and the broader point of view of the role of Latin language and culture in the world. The strengths and weaknesses of each language are described and discussed. The reasons for these languages’ significance are not only historical, but also geopolitical, cultural and social.