Wall Street Journal: argitaraturiko erantzun gutunak

#1. Re: Wall Street Journal: argitaraturiko erantzun gutunak

Sustatu ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 09:13

Erantzun pilatuen erreferentzia ageri da bilaketa eginez WSJ-ren sareko bertsioan, baina testu hauek eskuratzeko ordaindu egin behar da: eskerrik asko, beraz, Juan Martin, gutunak hona ekartzeagatik.

Bestalde, 180 lagunek (unibertsitateko irakasleak gehienak) beste gutun bat idatzi diot Wall Street Journal-eko zuzendaritzari, lehen orrian atera dezaten eskatuz. Horra albistea eta gutuna PDF formatuan. Tamalez, norbaiti bururatu zaio PDF horren testua kopiarako babestea, eta ezin dugu erreproduzitu hemen.

Azkenik, WSJ-k beste zuzenketa bat ere argitaratu zuen azaroaren 15ean:

STUDENTS ENTERING public school in the Basque region of Spain in the next academic year will be taught primarily, though not exclusively, in Euskera, the Basque language, if the Basque regional parliament approves a law drafted by the regional government. Under the law, it would no longer be possible for new students to pursue a wholly Spanish-language course of study in public schools in the Basque Country. A Nov. 6 page-one article about the language failed to note that the plan requires approval of the regional parliament, and incorrectly said that classes would be taught only in Basque.

#2. Erantzun kolektiboa WSJri, 180 sinadurarekin

Sustatu ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 12:21

Profesional mordoak sinatutako PDF enkriptatuaren kasu absurdoa Zabaldu.com-en ere azaldu da. eta hango irakurle bati esker, testu osoa berreskuratzea posible izan da. Mila esker, BlakPast. Jarrain, testu osoa eta erantzunak.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Dear friends from the Wall Street Journal,

Please accept this article written, approved and signed by 180 individuals, representing twenty different institutions, media, and universities in eight countries. We are scholars, researchers, writers, librarians and professionals whose paramount objective is to correct the misinformation and inaccuracies of the Keith Johnson article regarding the Basque language. Among us, there are specialists in linguistic legislation, sociolinguistics, minority languages and endangered languages. We also represent different aspects of science, from nuclear physics to cellular biology and we conduct our investigations and publish our research in Basque among other languages. One eminent politician is included in the list, Pete T. Cenarrusa, former Secretary of State of Idaho (1967-2003) for the Republican Party. Mr. Johnson’s piece has ignited an international network of specialists that believe a resolute and official retraction is appropriate and required from the Wall Street Journal out of respect to its readers and minority peoples around the world.

We would suggest a supplementary follow-up article, based on facts and data which we would be more than happy to facilitate from the European Union, the EBLUL, the United Nations, the EUSTAT and numerous scholarly research projects conducted in the Basque territories and those with minority language users around the world. Our attached statement gives an indication of the gross errors introduced into the minds of your readers when Mr. Johnson’s article was given front page status. The corrections and amplifications of November 7, 8 and 15 included in the online version of the WSJ are not sufficient; nor the article “Euskera, the Very Ancient Basque Language, Struggles for Respect”, published on November 16. Indeed, the readers are the ones that deserve respect. We would hope that our statement or another article be published also on the front page, demonstrating that corrections are given equal importance to previously published erroneous and misrepresentative stories. The WSJ must maintain its reputation of international excellence and serve as an example of responsibility, dependability and accuracy in journalism.

We are making a public request to you. This letter and your response to it will be published in several American and international academic journals, in the Basque, Catalan and other presses, and for many years to come in the future research conducted in sociolinguistics and endangered group identity issues. We are certain the WSJ will accept the obligation to correct itself and we look forward to collaborating and being a part of a solution by writing a new guest article for you, or assisting Mr. Johnson in writing a follow-up piece.

We look forward to your response and a discussion of possibilities for a positive outcome.

Sincerely,

The Basque Language among other world wide endangered languages

Having read the article entitled “Basque Inquisition: How Do You Say Shepherd in Euskera? Through Fiat, Separatists Bring Old Tongue to Life…” published on November 6, we enclose an answer based on the facts and the laws of the Basque Country, since it seems that the author of the article has based it on only one biased testimony without any further research and without a minimum knowledge of the facts.

Let’s start with the map; the article includes a really “original” map of the Basque Country according to which the Basque Country is about 550 miles (880 kilometers) wide. Without looking any further than Google, you will find out that the Basque Country is not even 100 miles wide.

Now to focus on the main idea of the article: Mrs. Esquivias, a math teacher at a school in the Basque Country, is going to be dismissed from her job if she does not learn Basque. This is simply false.

The Spanish constitution states in its preamble that it will protect all Spaniards and peoples of Spain in the exercise of human rights, of their culture and traditions, languages and institutions. Article 3 states as well that:

According to Spanish law, every Spanish citizen has the right and the duty to know Spanish and only the right to know Basque, Catalan or other official languages of the Spanish state.

In virtue of this constitutional rule and according to the Law 10/1982 of November 24, on the normalization of the Basque language (article 14.2), the authorities will determine the places for which it is prescriptive to know both languages (Spanish and Basque). That is to say, there are certain positions for which it would be compulsory to know “both languages” (Basque and Spanish). An example of these positions is “Basque language teacher,” for which, as everyone will understand, it is compulsory to know Basque. The law 10/1982 was reviewed and approved by the Spanish Constitutional Court, the institution in charge of examining the adaptation of the laws to the Constitution. (Anyone can search the resolution 82/1986, on June 26, by the constitutional court on the internet, available only in Spanish).

The law that determines the use of both languages (Spanish and Basque) at any public job in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) is the Basque Civil Service Law, la Ley de Función Pública Vasca 6/1989, of June 6, according to which each one of the positions in the Basque administration will have a “Linguistic Profile” (LP). Based on the requirements of the job, it will be necessary or not for the person applyingfor the position to know Basque, but it will always be compulsory to know Spanish, for it is a constitutional requirement (article 3.1). By virtue of the requirements for each job, there are four different LPs: LP1, LP2, LP3 and LP4 (LP1 being “no knowledge of Basque” and LP4 being “full knowledge of Basque”). Each public job at the BAC has been assigned an LP. It could happen that according to the requirements of the job, the requisite linguistic profile may change from LP1 to LP2. in such a case the public officer may either increase their proficiency in Basque or be transferred to another position in which he/she maintains his/her LP. However, he/she would never lose his/her job. Another serious error in Johnson’s article.

There are two fields of the BAC administration that are out of the LP system: health care and law enforcement (police). In neither case is it required to know Basque or to have a basic LP in Basque.

In the specific case of Mrs. Esquivias (education) there are only two existing LPs: LP1 (only Spanish is required) and LP2 (Spanish and Basque are required). In this specific case LP2 is required when the class has to be taught in Basque (Basque language or any other subject to be taught in Basque). The law that regulates the LPs in education is the Decree 47/1993, of March 9, and anyone can find it in the internet

The problem Mrs. Esquivias has is not that she is going to be removed from her job if she does not learn Basque (This is as false as it is illegal), but that she is running out of students. Most of the students are taking math in Basque. In other words, more and more students are electing to have math taught in Basque and not in Spanish, so there is a need for Basque-speaking math teachers. However, according to the law, Mrs. Esquivias cannot be removed from her job for not learning Basque.

Indeed, she has the opportunity to take a two year sabbatical, with full salary, in order to learn Basque. She has elected to do so, not because it has been imposed to her (which would be illegal under Spanish law), but because she has elected to do so. To suggest otherwise should be considered an exaggeration or a plain lie.

Moreover, the author should have added that the Basque language is completely banned in public administration (including, naturally education) in the southern part of the Historical Community of Navarre (HCN), more precisely in the area named the “non- Basque speaking zone.” The author should have mentioned that in the Basque territories of the French state (Pays basque) the Basque language is not official at all.

However, apart from the main point of the article, which is that "Basque inquisitors are abolishing the right of citizenship to speak Spanish," which, in our opinion, can only be said from a complete ignorance of the rule of law or with a clear political bias, the article makes comments on several linguistic or sociolinguistic principles that have to be clarified.

The author of the article states that only 630,000 people speak Basque while 450 million speak Spanish. We can be certain that the author does not mean by that that it is not worth it to speak or to learn Basque… For, according to that line of reasoning, we all should be speaking Chinese or Portuguese, or maybe English. However, again, the data are quite inexact perhaps because, even if the author does not cite the source of information being used, data as old as that of 1996 has been used to write the article. In any case, in 1996, the Basque Country had nearly 3,000,000 inhabitants (accurately 2,098,055 of them living at the BAC) and according to the official statistics in 1996, 60% of the population in the BAC had an average or good mastery of Basque (far from the 30% expressed in the article). The statistics by Eustat and other agencies are available on the internet. No further research was necessary in order to have accurate data for 2007: http://www.eustat.es/indice.asp?idioma=i and almost everything is available in English. There is no excuse not to know. Statements such as “Euskera just isn’t used in real life” are quite an exaggeration or simply a lack of knowledge of contemporary reality.

From the point of view of the history of language (concretely history of semantics) the statement expressing that words such as “Airport, science, Renaissance, democracy, government, and independence,” are all newly minted words with no roots in traditional Basque, is certainly curious. Clearly, the author does not know Basque, for he does not know that “Renaissance” is “Berpizkunde” in Basque, or “govern” is “jaurlaritza” or “independence” is “askatasuna.” As for the rest of his examples, it is noteworthy that “airport” is “aeropuerto” in Spanish, “aéroport” in French, “aeroporto” in Italian, “aeroporto” in Portuguese… and so on. “Democracy” is “democracia” in Spanish, “démocratie” in French, “demokratie” in German, “democrazia” in Italian, “democracia” in Portuguese… and so on. But, is not that the beauty of language? Is not it delightful to have words like “democracy” or “telephone” or “penicillin” constructed with ancient Latin and Greek roots? Over the centuries, languages have given words to each others and the author may not know that Spanish words such as “bizarro” (bizarre in English), “izquierda” (left), “chalupa” (boat), “escarcha” (frost), “landa” (field), “mozo” (guy), “sidra” (cider), “silueta” (silhouette) or “zoquete” (silly), among some 200 others, are of Basque origin. Should not communication among languages and cultures be celebrated? Should not human civilization promote the exchange of knowledge instead of defending isolationism? We are sure that more than one specialist in semantics would answer affirmatively.

It is simply sad to hear Basque referred to as “an ancient language little suited to contemporary life…”. We lament knowing that there are still people defending the idea that there are classes among languages; that some languages are fossils that no longer evolve. Everything evolves in life; we are sure that all Basque people who work in schools, Basque writers who have had their original Basque novels translated into more than 30 languages (Atxaga…), Basque engineers working at technology industries (Mondragon, CAF…), people working at the edge of technology in the Aeronautic industry (Aernnova, ITP, Sener, MTorres…) or even developing revolutionary scientific theories in Basque (Etxenike…) would take issue with Mr. Johnson’s statement. Moreover, people living in Basque every single day of their lives may think it erroneous to state that to say “I love you” in ancient Basque is no longer “suitable.” But we all know who Leopoldo Barreda is (not Barrera as it appears in the article, another error) and what political party he works for.

We hope that the author of the article has read, one by one, Basque textbooks before formulating the accusation that “Basque-language textbooks used in schools never tell students that the Basque Country is part of Spain.” And, if he has, we suggest he should do it again. He may find himself quite wrong.

Also, the author should review a few books and archives on Basque history, as the statement “Basque separatists have been waging a struggle for independence from Spain for 39 years…” appears to be some 200 years off. In fact, the government of Gipuzkoa asked for independence in 1793, almost 214 years ago, more accurately the claim for independence in the Basque country is as old as the Spanish and the French states. Just another error.

We are sure that the Wall Street Journal demands accuracy, seriousness and responsibility from its collaborators because the raison d'être of an article is to inform and to provide precise, correct and exact data. We hope that the errors of this politically biased article will be corrected.

Signatures

1. Teresa Boucher, Chair, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, Boise State University.
2. Fátima María Cornwall, Spanish Language Coordinator, Modern Languages & Literatures Department, Boise State University.
3. Iñigo Urrutia, Vice Dean, Faculty of Economy and Professor of Administrative Law, Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Economy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
4. Nekane Balluerka, Vice Dean, Faculty of Psychology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
5. Robert Clark, Professor Emeritus of International Relations, George Mason University, Washington DC.
6. Iñaki Zabaleta Urkiola, Chair, Theory, Technique and Technology of Audio-visual Media, Department of Journalism, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
7. Bernardo Atxaga, Idazle / Writer, Distinguished Scholar at the University of Nevada, Reno.
8. Pedro Ibarra, Chair, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
9. Pello Salaburu, Chair, Basque Philology, Department of Basque Language, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
10. Miren Cajaraville, Chair, Cell Biology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
11. José Manuel Castells, Chair, Administrative Law, Faculty of Law, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
12. José Ángel Ascunce Arrieta, Professor of Spanish Culture, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
13. Laura Mintegi, President of the PEN Club Basque Country, Professor at the Department of Didactic of the Language and Literature, University Teaching School of Gasteiz / Gasteizko Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
14. Rafael Pla López, Professor of Mathematics, Universitat de València / University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
15. Javier Maestro, Professor of Social Movements and Political Thought, Department of History of the Social Communication, Faculty of Information Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
16. Maria Cenicacelaya, Professor of Constitutional Law at the Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (UNNOBA) and at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Argentina.
17. Jose Antonio Aspiazu, Oñati International Institute for the Sociology of Law (IISL), Oñati, Gipuzkoa.
18. Steven Gamboa, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, California State University, Bakersfield.
19. José Idoyaga Arrospide, Chair, Department of Audio-Visual Communication and Publicity, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
20. Joseba Zuazo, Former Dean of the Faculty of Philology, Geography and History, Professor at the Department of Medieval and Modern American History, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
21. Pilar Vicente Imaz, Director of San Fermin Ikastola, Zizur Txikia, Nafarroa.
22. Juan Madariaga Orbea, Professor of Contemporary History, Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa / State University of Navarre, Iruñea/Pamplona.
23. Julia Ibarra Murillo, Professor at the Department of Pedagogy & Psychology, Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa / State University of Navarre, Iruñea/Pamplona.
24. Nagore Iñurrategi Irizar, Professor at the Department of Teaching Processes / Hezkuntza Prozesuak Departamendua, Faculty of Humanities and Teaching, Mondragon Unibertsitatea / University of Mondragon, Eskoriatza.
25. Itziar Idiazabal, Professor at the Department of Linguistics and Basque Studies, Faculty of Philology and Geography and History, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
26. Andrés Zamudio, PhD Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy and Social Sciences, ITESO (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente), Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara / Jesuit University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.
27. Jon Sarasua, Director of Lanki Ikertegia / Institute of Co-operative Research, Mondragon Unibertsitatea / University of Mondragon, Gizpuzkoa.
28. Baleren Bakaikoa, Director of the University Institute, Department of Economy, Faculty of Law, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
29. Jose Ramon Bengoetxea, Professor of Legal Theory, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
30. Carmen Peñafiel Saiz, Director of the Department of Journalism, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
31. LaVona Andrew, Interpreter Manager/Trainer, Video Remote Interpreting Adjunct Faculty, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, Boise State University.
32. Xoxe Estévez, Professor of History, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
33. María Eugenia Cruset, Professor of History and Magister of International relations, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (La Plata, Argentina) and Universidad Católica de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
34. Jesus Razkin, Professor of the Chemistry Department, Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa / State University of Navarre, Iruña/Pamplona.
35. Maite López Flamarique, Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico.
36. Gurutze Ezkurdia Arteaga, Director of the Department of Basque Language at the Campus of Bizkaia, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
37. Nestor Garay-Vitoria, PhD Student, Linguistic Predictive Systems. Application to languages with high and low degree of flexion, in the field of Alternative Communication, Laboratorio de Interacción Persona-Computador para Necesidades Especiales (LIPCNE), Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
38. Leyre Arrieta Alberdi, Professor of History of the Basque Country, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
39. Iñaki Beti Sáez, Professor of Labor Psychology in Humanities, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
40. Isabel Recalde Delgado, Professor of French Language and Literature, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
41. Maite Sagasti Goikoetxea, Head of the Master on European Culture, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
42. María Luisa San Miguel Casillas, Professor of Contemporary History and Modern Literature, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
43. Jon Gurutz Olaskoaga, Professor at the Department of Business Management, E.U.E. Empresariales, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
44. Egoitz Sierra Uria, Professor at the Department of Graphic Expression & Engineering Projects, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
45. Mikel Aizpuru, Secretary of the Department of Contemporary History, University School of Labor Relations, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
46. Enrike G. Argandoña, Professor of Anatomy, Department of Nursery, Faculty of Nursery, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
47. Jon Nazabal, Polymer Science & Technology Department and Institute for Polymer Materials “POLYMAT”, Chemistry Faculty, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
48. Mario Zubiaga Garate, Professor at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
49. Alicia Garza, Professor of Spanish Language and Literature, Modern Languages and Literatures Department, Boise State University.
50. Bingen Ametzaga Iribarren, Director of the Department of Cardiology at the Hospital Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
51. Jesus L. Garay Hinojal, Professor at the Department of Didactic of the Languages and Literatures, University Teaching School of Gasteiz / Gasteizko Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
52. Mertxe de Renobales Scheifler, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
53. Gorka Aulestia, Professor of Literature at the Aulas de la Experiencia, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
54. Paulo Iztueta, Retired Professor of History and Sociology of the Language, Faculty of Pedagogy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
55. Iñaki Lasagabaster Herrarte, Professor of Administrative Law, Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Economy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
56. Jason Herbeck, French Section Head, Modern Languages and Literatures Department, at Boise State University.
57. Nina M. Ray, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing and International Business, Boise State University.
58. Joseba Zulaika, Professor, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno.
59. Cristina Gutierrez-Canas Mateo, Professor at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
60. Óscar Álvarez Gila, Professor of History of America, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
61. Beret Norman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of German, Modern Languages & Literatures Department, Boise State University.
62. Xabier Olaizola, Retired Professor of Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting and Analytical Accounting, Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
63. Joseba M. González Ardeo, Professor at the Department of English and German Philology, Translation and Interpretation, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
64. Miren Artiach, Chair Member of the Cenarrusa Foundation for Basque Culture Board, Boise (Idaho).
65. Ramón Zabala Agirre, Professor of Spanish Language and Literature at the Leizaran Institute, Andoain.
66. Santi Urrutia, Professor of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
67. Pedro Peña, English Teacher at the Azpeitia Institute, Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa.
68. Ibon Cancio Uriarte, Lecturer of Cell Biology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
69. Juan Manuel Egia, Director of Information Systems / Informazio-Sistemen Zuzendaria, Lagun Aro Insurances / Lagun Aro Aseguruak, Basque Country.
70. Idoia Marcellán Baraze, Professor at the Department of Didactic of Music, Art and Body Expression / Musika, Plastika eta Gorputz adierazpenaren didaktika saila, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
71. Mikel Begiristain, Engineer, Construcciones y Auxiliares de Ferrocarriles (CAF), Beasain, Gipuzkoa.
72. Alberto Lusarreta, Engineer, Torres de Elortz Corporation, Elortz, Navarre.
73. Alberto Irigoyen Artetxe, Novelist and Essayist, Montevideo, Uruguay.
74. Miren Itxaso Sanchez Morales, Professor of Administrative Law, Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Economy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
75. Agurtzane Goiriena, Professor of Philosophy of Law, Department of Constitutional Law, Administrative Law and Philosophy of Law, Faculty of Economy, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
76. Mikel Zurbano Irizar, Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
77. Patxi Juaristi Larrinaga, Professor of Politic Sciences, Politic and Administrative Sciences Department, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
78. Adela Colera Herrero, Professor of Spanish Language and Linguistics, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
79. Maite Garrues Saralegi, Secretary of the Liberal Arts Faculty, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
80. Eider Landaberea Abad, Professor of Contemporary History, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
81. José Luis Orella Unzué, Retired Professor of History and Head of the Ignacio de Loyola Chair, Deustuko Unibertsitatea / University of Deusto, Donostia/San Sebastián.
82. Xabier Iriondo Arana, Lawyer, Internal Affairs Department, Basque Autonomous Community’s Administration.
83. Enrique Poittevin Gilmet, Member of Haize Hegoa Institution, Montevideo, Uruguay.
84. Miren Aintzane Saralegui Bastarrica, Member of Haize Hegoa Institution, Montevideo, Uruguay.
85. Xabier Ezeizabarrena, Ph.D., Lawyer, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
86. Luis Del Portillo Valdés, Technical Engineering School of Bilbo / Bilboko Ingeniaritza Goi Eskola Teknikoa, Machines and Thermic Engines Department / Makina eta Motor Termikoen Saila, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
87. Xabier Ostolaza, Professor at the Department of System Engineering & Control, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
88. Susin Cano, Member of the Arturo Campion Research Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
89. José Francisco Domingo Ormaetxea, Member of the Arturo Campion Research Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
90. Patxi Azparren Olaizola professor of Basque Language and Anthropologist, Donostia/San Sebastián.
91. Mari Jose Olaziregi, Professor (UNR / EHU-UPV).
92. Maren Ortiz Zarragoitia, Ph.D., Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, School of Science and Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
93. Gorka Iturriaga Madariaga, Professor at the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Activities, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
94. Maitane Arnoso, Professor at the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
95. Nora Olano Gurrutxaga, Galtzaundi Euskara Taldeko euskara teknikaria, Tolosa, Gipuzkoa.
96. Nahia Zarzosa Aizpurua, Translator (into English, Basque and Spanish), Lekeitioko Udala, City Council of Lekeitio, Bizkaia.
97. Iratxe Ibarra, Bertsolaria / Singing-Poet, Markina-Xemein, Bizkaia.
98. Igor Elortza Aranoa, Bertsolaria / Singing-Poet, Durango, Bizkaia.
99. Xebastian Lizaso Iraola, Bertsolaria / Singing-Poet, Azpeitia, Gizpuzkoa.
100. Arantzazu Ametzaga, Liburuzain eta Idazle / Librarian & Writer, Altzuza, Nafarroa.
101. Nere Erkiaga, Liburuzain / Librarian, Xenpelar Dokumentazio Zentroa / Xenpelar Documentation Center, Donostia/San Sebastián.
102. Naiara Amezua Valera, Liburuzain / Librarian, Mondragoneko Unibertsitatea, University of Mondragon, Gipuzkoa.
103. Inaki Irazabalbeitia, Ph.D., Idazle / Writer, Donostia, Gizpuzkoa.
104. Iratxe Gonzalez Vazquez, EITB24.com-eko Itzultzaile / Translator at EITB24.com, Bilbo, Bizkaia.
105. Iñaki Aurrekoetxea Arkotxa, Irakasle / Teacher, Gernika-Lumo Institute, Gernika Lumo, Bizkaia.
106. Manu Soto, Professor, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, School of Science and Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
107. Maite Garmendia Galarregui, Professor at the Department of Didactic of the Language and Literature, University Teaching School of Gasteiz / Gasteizko Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
108. Itxaso Astigarraga, Secreatry of BAKUN Itzulpen eta Argitalpen Zerbitzuak, Translation Corporation, Arroa, Gipuzkoa.
109. Nerea Alberdi, BAKUN Itzulpen eta Argitalpen Zerbitzuak, Translation Corporation, Arroa, Gipuzkoa.
110. Amaia Andrieu, Professor of Didactic of the Plastic Expression, University Teaching School of Gasteiz / Gasteizko Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
111. Izaskun Kortazar, Spanish Special Lecturer, Modern Languages and Literature Department, at Boise State University.
112. Iñaki Mendiguren Bereziartu, Idazle eta itzultzaile / Writer & Translator, Ezkio- Itsaso, Gipuzkoa.
113. Carmelo Aguirre, Pharmacologist, School of Medicine, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
114. Eneritz Pagalday, Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Education of Mondragon (HUHEZI), Mondragon Unibertsitatea / University of Mondragon, Eskoriatza, Gipuzkoa.
115. Zesar Martinez, Professor of Sociology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
116. Sarah J. Turtle (ingeles euskaldundua), Irakasle eta itzultzaile / Teacher & Translator, Ezkio-Itsaso, Gipuzkoa.
117. Josu Iztueta, WW Traveler / Bidaiaria, Tolosa, Gipuzkoa.
118. Migel Mari Elosegi Irurtia, Idazle / Writer, Tolosa, Gipuzkoa.
119. Mirentxu Ametzaga Clark, Idazle / Writer, Burke, Virginia.
120. Joxean Amundarain Iturrioz, Member of the Office for Linguistic Normalization / Hizkuntza Normalizazioko Teknikaria, Gipuzkoako Foru Aldundia / Government of Gipuzkoa, Gipuzkoa.
121. Eneko Larrañaga Arrizabalaga, Member of Zestoako Bai Euskarari, Zestoa, Gizpuzkoa.
122. Estepan Plazaola Otadui, Euskara teknikaria, Bergara, Gipuzkoa.
123. Anselmo Vega Vega, Teacher at Angiozarko Eskola, Bergara, Gipuzkoa.
124. Anaje Narbaiza Aldai, Idazle / Writer, Bergara, Gipuzkoa.
125. Estibalitz Ezkerra, Basque Library, University of Nevada, Reno.
126. Ana I. Morales, Translator at the United Nations, New York.
127. Nestor Etxebarria, Professor at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
128. Luis Pedro Gutiérrez Cuenca, Professor at the Department of Music, Art and Body Expression, Donostiako Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Donostia/San Sebastián.
129. Margari León Guereño, Professor at the Donostiako Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskolako Irakaslea, Donostia/San Sebastián.
130. Kerman Orbegozo Uribe, Head of Staff General Resources, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
131. Josu Rekalde Atela, Quality, Security & Environment Manager, European Foundation for Quality Managing, Basque Country.
132. Neskutz Erkiaga Laka, Secretary of Asti-Leku Ikastola, Portugalete, Bizkaia.
133. Goio Etxebarria Kerexeta, Professor of Economy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
134. Igor Ahedo, Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
135. Zelai Nikolas Ezkurdia, Lawyer, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
136. Diego Mina Orue, Morgan Stanley, Individual Investors Group / Gestor de Patrimonios, Iruñea/Pamplona.
137. Pello Irujo, The Thomson Corporation, Zizur Txikia. Nafarroa.
138. Gloria Totoricagüena Egurrola, Ph.D., Basque Global Initiatives, Reno.
139. Joseba Felix Tobar-Arbulu, Professor of History of Science, School of History, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
140. Patxi Aio Cuesta, Miami University of Oxford, Oxford, USA.
141. Maite Alvarado, Professor of Mathematic, Department of Mathematics, School of Engineering, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
142. Mikel M. Karrera Egialde, Professor of Civil Law, Faculty of Law, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
143. Antton Olano Irurtia, Itzultzaile / Translator into Basque, Basque Country.
144. Mikel Gaztelumendi, Polymer Science & Technology Department and Institute for Polymer Materials “POLYMAT”, Chemistry Faculty, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
145. Gorka Bueno, Professor of Engineering at the Department of Telecommunication and Electronics, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
146. Mari Camen Gil Fombellida, Chair Member of Hamaika Bide Elkartea, Donostia/San Sebastián.
147. Ane Larrinaga, Professor of Sociology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
148. Argitxu Camus, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno.
149. Mariann Vazci, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno.
150. César Arrondo, Professor of Contemporary History, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
151. Arantza Gutierrez Paz, Professor at the Department of Audio-Visual Communication and Publicity, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
152. Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe, Historian, University of Nevada, Reno.
153. Leandro Etchichury, Anthropologist, Faculty of Philosophy, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina.
154. José M. Rivadeneyra, Professor at the Faculty of Computing Science, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
155. Patxi Sansinenea, Professor of Base Psychology Processes and its Development, Faculty of Psychology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
156. Igor Filibi Lopez, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
157. Clara Galdos Irazabal, Professor of Mathematics at the Bilboko Magisterio Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
158. Eduardo Torry, Professor of Political Science, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
159. Antxon Mendizabal, Professor at the Department of Social Sciences, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
160. Jabier Puldain, Professor of Architecture at the Donostiako Arkitektura Goi Eskola Teknikoa, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
161. Alejandro Simonoff Roa, Ph.D, Professor of International Relations, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
162. Uri Ruiz Bikandi, Professor at the Department of Didactic of the Languages and Literature, University Teaching School of Gasteiz / Gasteizko Irakasleen Unibertsitate Eskola, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Gasteiz/Vitoria.
163. Adela Mesa, Professor of Political Sciences and Administration, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Leioa.
164. Vilma Sanz, Professor of History, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
165. Javier Íñígo y Ochoa de Chinchetru, Professor of Industrial Engineering, Department of Physics, University School of Engineering of Gasteiz/Vitoria, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
166. Eneko Agirre, Professor at the Computing Science Faculty, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
167. Aitor Payros, Professor at the Department of Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
168. Arturo Apraiz, Professor of Geodynamics, Department of Geodynamics / Geodinamika Saila, Faculty of Science and Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
169. Jesus M. Txurruka, Associate Professor Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
170. Luis Javier Rodríguez Barron, Nutritional Technology / Elikagaien Tecnología, Faculty of Pharmacy / Farmazia Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
171. Aitzol Zuloaga Izaguirre, Professor at the Department of Electronics & Telecommunication, School of Engineering of Bilbo / Bilboko Ingeniaritza Goi Eskola Teknikoa, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
172. Joxerra Aihartza, Professor at the Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
173. Olatz Garcia Zabalbeitia, Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, School of Engineering, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
174. Bertol Arrieta Kortajarena, Professor of Computing Systems and Languages, Faculty of Computing, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Donostia/San Sebastián.
175. Igor Peñalva Bengoa, Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Department of Nuclear Engineering / Ingeniaritza Nuklearra eta Jariakinen Mekanika Saila, School of Engineering of Bilbo / Bilboko Ingeniaritza Goi Eskola Teknikoa, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country, Bilbo.
176. Maider Arizmendiarreta Astarloa, Professor at the Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine & Odontology, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / University of the Basque Country.
177. Martxelo Otamendi, Berria egunkariko zuzendari / Director of Berria Newspaper, Martin Ugalde Kultur Parkea, Andoain, Gipuzkoa.
178. Michael J. Bidart, Trial Lawyer, Claremont, California.
179. Xabier Irujo, Professor of Contemporary History of the Basque Country, Center for Basque Studies, University of Nevada, Reno.
180. Pete Cenarrusa, Former Secretary of State of Idaho (1967-2003), Boise, Idaho.

#3. Zabaldu.com zuzenean albisteak editatzen

iPtx | irratia.com ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 14:09

Zuzenean ari gara zabaldu.com gunean ere. Ikusgarria da, interesantea oso zelan jendeak aportatzen duen, kezka agertu, mugitu...

sustatu.com, zabaldu.com, irratia.com ... denak balio du. Blogosfera aktiboa, euskararen alde horrenbeste batzar eta subentzio eskatu barik be, ematen du ari garela zerbaitetan.

Harro egoteko moduko Internet_zaleak ditugu Euskal Herrian eta munduan. Biba zuek!

#4. Erantzuna galdera bilakatuz

Edorta Arana ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 13:27

Hau da Keith Johnsoni azaroaren 9an bidali nio eskaera-mezua:

Dear Mr. Johnson:
I would like ask you for permission to use your article "Basque Inquisition: How Do You Say Shepherd in Euskera" in my classroom at the University of the Basque Country.
It is a good example of lack of balance and neutrality in the use of the information. It is aswell a clear case of the linking of stereotypes and false and biased perceptions of reality.

I hope our students will learn the difference between true and false and try not to write in such a poisoning way. I wish you the same.

Best wishes,

Edorta Arana

#5. erreportaia Eurolangen

Edu Lartzanguren ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 16:14

WSJren artikuluak eragindako ika-mikaz erreportaia argitaratu dut Eurolang berri agentzian. Bruselan du egoitza Eurolangek, eta minorizaturiko hizkuntzen inguruko informazioa lantzen du.

Artikuluak ez dio ekarpen handirik egingo afera jarraitu duen euskaldunari. Izan ere, eta atrebentzia ez bada, gertaturikoa ez-euskaldunei azaltzea du helburu.

Irakurtzeko:

http://www.eurolang.com

Permalink:

http://www.eurolang.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2988&Itemid=1&lang=es

#6. Eurolangeko erreportaiaren testua

- ¦ 2007-11-21 ¦ 16:17

Basque uproar over Wall Street Journal article


Donostia, Tuesday, 20 November 2007 by Edu Lartzanguren
The Basque language, Euskara, is a primitive, backwards, useless language that nobody wants to learn, but is being imposed on a suffering population by evil nationalists entrenched in power in the Basque Country. This is the thrust of the message that one of America's most influential newspapers, The Wall Street Journal, has conveyed to its readers in an article published last week. The report has created an uproar in the Basque Country with writers, academics, journalists and the Basque Government writing in protest to the newspaper.

Critics have described the article as a compendium of derogatory literature that has all the elements of a classic piece of 18th or 19th century racist and imperialist diatribe against any of the world’s lesser used languages. The journalist responsible for the article has denied the accusation that the hand of Spain's former premier Jose Maria Aznar is behind the text.

“Basque Inquisition: How Do You Say Shepherd in Euskera?” is the original title of the article. Then “Through Fiat, Separatists Bring Old Tongue to Life”. It was published on the front page of the Journal's November 6th edition and written by the Madrid correspondent Keith Johnson.

The title refers to a statement by the journalist about Euskara being “an ancient language little suited to contemporary life”. As an example of that, Johnson writes that Euskara has taken many loan-words with Latin or Greek roots “demokrazia, gobernu, independentzia”, while he credits it with having “ten different words for shepherd, depending on the kind of animal”.

The journalist made several discriminatory comparisons and criticised the Basque Government for spending money on the promotion of the language, such as: “Basque separatists have been waging a struggle for independence from Spain for 39 years. But lately, many have taken to wielding grammar instead of guns”.

He criticised the situation where the remaining Spanish monolingual teachers are obliged to learn Euskara by giving them a year off with pay to attend classes. That policy, according to the journalist, causes a shortage of doctors in hospitals and police on the streets,

Three political commentators are quoted in the article. Two of them belong to the right wing PP, known for its anti Basque language views, and who neither speak nor understand Basque. The third is an ex-member of the Basque Government who has who has Spanish nationalist views.

Johnson also lashed out at the Basque public television channel (EiTB) “which broadcasts in Euskara” over the “difficulty of finding quality shows” on it, and compares it with “the animal-documentary channel” on Spanish TV.

Basque reaction

“Saying that we have no specialists because we demand Basque is false and a total insult to our intelligence”, wrote Katixa Agirre, a young university teacher, in her response to the article on her blog. The article has raised a storm of answers in Basque internet and media. Agirre pointed out that those that complain about the need for Basque-speaking public workers “would be happier if it [Euskara] only were spoken among shepherds or inside one’s home”. Agirre invited Johnson to have a look at all the doctoral theses that are written in the Basque language every year”.

A Welsh speaker, Rhys Wynne, answered her: “I shall be using your arguments in future when similar false claims are made against my langage”.

Michael Morris, the author of the leading English-Basque dictionary and native speaker of English, wrote that it is wholly inaccurate to say that a language such as Basque is little suited to modern life. “Every bona fide linguist knows that any language can express any idea, especially when language planning has taken place”, wrote Morris in a letter addressed to Johnson.

Basque language planning targeted

“Basque language planning is the main target of the article” said Patxi Baztarrika, vice-secretary for language development in the Basque Government, on public radio on Thursday. Baztarrika pointed out that the Basque Government is not trying to “impose” Euskara, instead he said that it is trying to “normalise its use to reach a real social equality” between the Basque and Spanish languages. “In the modern world linguistic plurality is the norm and monolingualism the exception”, he added.

“What Johnson has written is a classic”, said writer and commentator Joan Mari Torrealdai to Eurolang. In 1998 he published a book in Spanish entitled ‘El libro negro del Euskara’ (The Black Book of Euskara), in which he gathered quotes from basquephobes through history. “We are used to reading such things in the Spanish press. The main thesis is well-known: Euskara is not a modern language and has no social value. Now, a third one has been added since Aznar's time: Euskara is being imposed.”

Keith Johnson has not answered any of the e-mails sent by the author, but addressed a general answer to all those that had written to him about his article. “I never set out to denigrate Euskera, and regret any offense it may have caused to Basque speakers”, he wrote. He has been living in Madrid for ten years and has been the Wall Street Journal’s correspondent there since 1999. He has been praised before in Spain's right-wing press for being tough on Basque issues. He took no responsibility for the use of the word “Inquisition” in the headline of the article, saying that in U.S. newspapers journalists don’t write their own headlines.

An Aznar connection?

“Why this article, why in that newspaper, why now?” asks Torrealdai, adding that it is obvious that a “black hand” is behind it.

The newspaper, founded in 1889, was bought by media tycoon Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation on August 1, 2007. A year before, Jose Maria Aznar, Spain's former chief of government, and personal friend of Murdoch had become News Corp.'s 14th board member and its first non-native English speaker. Mr Aznar's Popular Party lost the elections in 2004 after having tried in vain to convince Spaniards, and the world, that the authors of the March 11th bomb massacre in Madrid were Basque rather than Al Qaeda members, as it was later proved.

The link between the Wall Street Journal and Aznar has been pointed out by many in the last days. “The connection is there”, said Patxi Baztarrika. He stressed the fact that only one political party - Aznar's - gives its opinion in the article.

Keith Johnson has denied any connection with Aznar. “Whatever errors there are in the article are mine; there is never any interference from above at any time, and certainly not when the editorial independence of the newspaper has been the key concern during the whole takeover process”.

The newspaper seems to have taken notice of the uproar caused by the article, and from midweek on the headline of the article in its website archives appeared more neutral, even positive, such as “Basques bring old tongue to life”. However, the rest of the article remains basically unchanged except for some Basque words derived from “herder” that Johnson translated wrongly.

Today, 180 Basque intellectuals and politicians, including some Americans, have signed a letter to the Wall Street Journal. They say that Basque is a growing language used in all realms of public and private life, not only in the Basque Country but in places such as Boise, Idaho and California, where sizeable Basque communities live. Signatories include the writer Bernardo Atxaga and Pete Cenarrusa, former Secretary of State from Idaho. They demand that the Wall Street Journal correct the article by Keith Johnson and to publish that correction on their front page. (Eurolang 2007)

Link to the WSJ article and some answers (subscription):

http://online.wsj.com/public/search/page/3_0466.html?KEYWORDS=basque&imageField.x=0&imageField.y=0

Link to the article (free):

http://www.sustatu.com/1194969965

Link to two of the responses:

http://www.eitb24.com/new/en/B24_74243/life/ANSWER-TO-AN-ARTICLE-Expert-answers-article-Wall-Street/

http://www.blogak.com/katixa/as-a-response-to-the-wsj-article

#7. WSJ: HPSko Baztarrikaren erantzun gutuna

Sustatu ¦ 2007-12-20 ¦ 15:47

Atzo, abenduak 19, HPSko buru Patxi Baztarrikaren erantzun gutuna argitaratu zuen The Wall Street Journalek. Sarean, ordainpeko artxiboan dago testua, baina hona bere edukia osorik:

For the Love of Basque . . . and Spanish

If insult is the lowest form of language, then one would have to delve deep into the English dictionary in order to find a suitable term to describe the article Basque Inquisition: How Do You Say Shepherd in Euskera?.

The two main pillars upon which the language policy pursued by the Basque institutions has always rested are the current legal framework and social adherence, never imposition. The policy is open, democratic and respectful of the Spanish tongue.

Obviously, language policy is open to debate, which is only logical in a social process spanning 25 years. According to the Spanish Constitution, the Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country and the Constitutional Court, Basque citizens have the right to use any of the two official languages — Basque and Spanish — and the public authorities must determine what public jobs have to be bilingual in order to ensure this right.

So for the last 25 years, the Basque institutions have spearheaded a process that has put Euskera firmly on the path toward normalization, because we believe that the aim of any language policy should be the normalization and peaceful, amicable coexistence between languages. The vast majority of Basques aspire to real and effective bilingualism, to a true state of equal opportunities for use. We aspire to ensuring that those who wish to conduct their lives in the Basque tongue may do so freely and without hindrance.

We aren’t advocates of monolingualism, either Basque or Spanish, and you will never find us defending ideas based on imposition or exclusion. We aren’t working against anyone or anything because we love and respect the Spanish language, which is also the language of Euskadi. We are working in favor of a bilingualism that considers both Euskera and Spanish to be part of our common heritage. The development of these languages is a task that involves us all, which means that, in light of the current imbalance, we require an active, positive policy of support for the minority, lesser-used language. We require a policy that is designed and enforced on the basis of a deep respect for Spanish, as well as a firm conviction that bilingualism has an intrinsic value in itself and that peaceful, amicable coexistence between languages is an asset that will contribute to enhancing the cohesion of Basque society.

Patxi Baztarrika Galparsoro
Deputy Minister for Language Policy
The Basque Government
Bilbao, Spain