75th Anniversary of the International Day of the Basque Language
150 years ago, 8 out of 10 people in Biscay, nearly all 10 in Gipuzkoa, and similarly high numbers in Lower Navarre and Soule spoke Basque. However, these figures changed drastically within just a few decades, with Basque speakers reduced to 2 out of 10 across the Basque Country as a whole. This decline wasn’t due to neglect. There is a long history of ostracism, humiliation, mockery, and even punishment for speaking Basque.
One well-known example is the “ring punishment” used in schools. Teachers would give a ring to any student they caught speaking Basque. That student’s task was to pass the ring to another peer if they heard them speaking Basque. At the end of the week, the student still holding the ring faced physical punishment. In the meantime, the bearer of the ring often endured isolation, as classmates avoided them for fear of becoming the next target. In this environment, children who didn’t learn Basque at home had no chance to learn it elsewhere. This was the reality for many years.
In 1948, the Society of Basque Studies (Eusko Ikaskuntza) designated December 3rd as the International Day of the Basque Language, with the first celebration held in Biarritz in 1949. It was officially recognized in 1995 through a joint initiative by the Basque Government (Eusko Jaurlaritza) and the Royal Academy of the Basque Language (Euskaltzaindia). The date was not chosen randomly—it commemorates the death of Francis Xavier (Francisco de Jasso Azpilicueta) on December 3rd, 1552, on Shangchuan Island in China. According to tradition, his last words were spoken in Basque, reflecting the linguistic reality of his time when the majority of Navarre’s population were Basque speakers.
Fifty years ago, however, the number of Basque speakers was significantly lower across all regions, with fewer young speakers than older ones. The language was on the brink of extinction. Yet, during those dark times, efforts in some communities allowed children to learn and speak Basque in schools. These grassroots movements, supported by both Basque speakers and non-speakers, laid the groundwork for a successful model of language revitalization. Later, some public institutions played a crucial role in consolidating and expanding this new path.
The contribution of schools has been monumental in this regard, demonstrating again their capacity to not only teach languages but also foster enriching transformations in society overall.
Despite these achievements, Basque remains a vulnerable language and is at risk of disappearing in some areas, according to UNESCO. However, although still most families are not capable of speaking Basque, schools have made it possible for the majority of students to learn Basque.
Nevertheless, the key to making Basque accessible to everyone isn’t merely enrollment in Basque-language immersion programs but ensuring students learn effectively, achieving the necessary proficiency. Today, knowing Basque opens doors—it makes life easier, facilitates relationships, enhances professional opportunities, and improves social standing. Yet not everyone has equal access to this resource; much work remains to be done.
It is evident that exposure to spoken Basque helps in comprehension, but often, this alone is not enough. Furthermore, opportunities to use and practice Basque in schools are vital, yet they must go beyond mere use and practice. A language is learned not just when we start speaking it but when someone listens and responds. Effective language learning happens when dialogue is placed at the heart of education.
There is no doubt that integrating Basque into various social spaces would create “breathing zones” for the language, making it more accessible to all. However, even with these changes, the educational sphere is likely the most decisive. What happens in schools today shapes what will happen in the streets and homes tomorrow.
Associate Professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)