At this point in time, after the anathema to which this old Romance language (not a dialect) has been condemned, only a few old people from villages on an out of a way area use it on a usual bases.
I´d just like to get one step in front of the so called Spanish progressive intellectuals, who very well into their role, will not accept a reappearence of this language, which many born and bread in this land have learnt from their grandparents, much to the regret of these so called progressive intellectuals.
When León lost its political power, the Spanish language (Castilian) took over and cornered the Leonese until it nearly made it vanish. It was considered an ignorant form of expression and people were mocked and pitied for its use.
I´ve always been seduced by some of its words, expressive and affectionate, they bring back memories from my infancy and that is always calming. I want to recollect those words that have been forgotten, with the same interest that the intellectuals who denigrate the language compile costumes, constructions and craftsmanship.
Our land has many memories, which are being disregard because of the indolence of many people. In the same way as the loss of population, villages are lacking its folks, the pastures that only a few years back provisioned dozens of families, are now mislaid with no one to take advantage of them.
It´s not my intention to draw the attention of the inoperative politicians, but it is to those who have been ashamed of speaking the language of their ancestors, because outsiders assured them that they were ignorant, also to those who now see the schools empty, buildings in ruins and the fields in wastelands. It´s not in my hand to avoid the disappearence of the Province of León, that is or at least should be for the politicians. What I can do is compile a few words awaiting for a linguist who loves his land, and I´m sure there is, decides to normalize the disorder and the nonsens that Leonese has had to live, a faithful reflection of what´s happened to the land which bestows it.