Edurne Alegria and Jonjo Agirre
24-04-2026, ZUZEU.
Abstract:
In this article, the authors refute certain arguments put forward in an opinion piece in the BERRIA newspaper, written by Maitane Arnoso and Leire Amenabar
For example, the authors point out that no one ever questions the need for immigrants to learn Spanish when they move to Spain or come to the Basque Country; however, the issue arises when it is suggested that immigrants coming to the Basque Country should learn the Basque language.
In their article in the BERRIA newspaper, Ms Arnoso and Ms Amenabar also argue that the languages of immigrants who come to live in the Basque Country deserve recognition. The authors of this article, however, maintain that whilst these languages deserve respect, they do not require protection in the Basque Country, as most of them are thriving in their countries of origin. That is not the case with the Basque language in our country, which does deserve respect and recognition from newcomers.
We need to provide language education to the immigrants arriving in our country, and explain to them that we Basques have our own language, and that they should help us to preserve and promote it.
