THE BASQUE-SPEAKING NATION AS A PIVOTAL POINT

Joxe Manuel Odriozola

22-12-2024, BERRIA.

Abstract:

In response to a previous article by Unai Apaolaza, Joxe Manuel Odriozola details in this article his conception of the Basque nation.

Odriozola stresses the importance of the linguistic component in the shaping of the nation: ‘I am not interested in the nation in a general sense, but above all in the Basque linguistic component of the nation’, he says. And he adds: ‘neither am I interested in a sovereign Basque nation without its own linguistic and cultural component’.

In contrast to the pro-independence movement that prioritises a Basque state in order to ‘live better’ (Odriozola recalls that the Basque nation is already among the 10% richest in the world), he emphasises that he prefers a Basque state that guarantees his linguistic dignity as a Basque-speaker.