Following last year’s successful series of lectures (“Basque Patriots”), we wanted to repeat the initiative for the 2025–2026 academic year, with the Basque language as the central theme. As our followers are well aware, the Basque language is the cornerstone of our nationalism, the backbone of the Basque nation. As we have mentioned many times, we see the future of the Basque nation as inextricably linked to the future of the Basque language: if the Basque language grows stronger, we will also strengthen our national identity.
Through the lecture series “Basque at a Crossroads”, we have sought to understand and raise awareness of the situation of our language, in the broadest sense of the word: the strengths and weaknesses of the Basque language today, and the challenges, threats and opportunities it faces in an era of cultural globalisation. To this end, we invited renowned experts to this series of lectures. They helped us to better understand our linguistic context and the enormous challenges we face in improving it.
Furthermore, we sought to ensure that the conferences went beyond a purely descriptive account, as the aim was not merely to assess the current state of our language, but also to hear specific proposals for promoting its use and addressing its shortcomings.
The concept of a “linguistic emergency” was mentioned several times during the talks. This is because our language is undoubtedly at a turning point: the gains we have made in recent decades are at risk of being lost unless there are significant changes in language policy and a mobilisation of society. The title of the successful book by Iñaki Iurrebaso and Garikoitz Goikoetxea, “Esnatu ala Hil” (“Wake Up or Die”), clearly indicates the need for this major social response.
The lecture series comprised four lectures and a round-table discussion. In January 2026, Jon Sarasua outlined the key factors in the process of revitalising the Basque language. In February, Amande Anin spoke to us about the challenges facing the Basque language in the Northern Basque Country. In March, Miren Segurola explained the situation, objectives and concerns of the UEMA association. At the round table in April, Xabier Aierdi, Karmelo Landa and Jon Sarasua held an interesting discussion on the Basque language and immigration. And finally, at the talk in May, Kike Amonarriz explained the key factors behind the successful linguistic development of Tolosa.
We should highlight the positive reception this series of talks received, as the venue was packed for every event. For those who were unable to make it to Azpeitia, we have filmed all the talks, and you can watch them here, as well as the round table discussion:
Note: All lectures are in Basque.
