Does your community have any internal struggle?

It is so important to have friends in your language community.

Yesterday, I met Irantzu for a day trip, my bff from B.A. Basque Studies. She has been my roommate for 2 years and a friend since we started college in 2015. 🏘

We both come from very different linguistic backgrounds. Whereas I come from a predominatly Spanish-speaking area, her valley has quite preserved Basque. In fact, Basque has been transmitted in her family until today. Interestingly, the current standard Basque was partly based on Beterri's Basque (her variety) since it was considered to be one with the highest number of speakers and quite prestigious in the 60s. 👩‍🏫

However, this has not always been a path of roses. Whereas in my area those who want to speak Basque often feel marginalized by the Basque-speaking community, in her area those who speak Basque tend to be ridiculized by their Spanish-speaking peers due to having a 'rural' accent. 🐏

Whenever we talk about our linguistic struggles (especially in the past), we find that the other extreme of the community is also suffering, although the sources of oppression are different. ↔️

What is wrong with us?

Basques from Spanish-speaking areas should be considered warriors for their efforts, not foreigners. And Basques, who have preserved their variety until nowadays, should be praised for their resistance. No one should be ridiculized.

As a minorized community, we need to come together and be better.

Eskerrik asko my dear @irantzuoiartzabal for offering a place in her heart, both for life and linguistic talks.

#zumaia #euskalherria #minorized #minoritylanguages #euskara #basque

Original post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvVVjxMowym/?igsh=MTFuemd3dWQzd3Q2Yw==