This paper examines the linguistic and legal framework in Spain and its attempts to define nationhood and a collective identity that encompasses its three major linguistic minority groups. The four major language groups of Spain are discussed with regard to official language policy and legislation. Article 3 of the 1978 Spanish constitution was heralded as a radical new recognition of linguistic rights and cultural pluralism, so long denied by the Franco dictatorship. Yet careful analysis of this article reaffirms that the politics of language in Spain remain contentious and ambiguous, in part because of the very language of politics itself. The pull between consensus and ambiguity is examined as is how this represents tensions between the core and periphery of the Spanish state and within the European Community. It is in the three major, non-Castilian territorial identities/cultures that the greatest activity in language planning efforts is taking place. Catalonia is the most active and the wealthiest of the three, Basque is the smallest, and Galicia has the largest native speaking population. It is suggested that the restriction of cultural identities to territorial identities is a questionable language policy for Spain. (Author/NAV)