Basques celebrate the International Day of the Basque Language

The International Day of the Basque Language is observed today, December 3rd, as the struggling minority language thrives to adapt to the changes and challenges brought by globalization and technological advances.

The International Basque Day (ENE) was established in 1949 by the Society for Basque Studies. Now in the 21st century, this Society continues to adapt to the changes and challenges posed by society enthusiastically cultivating the Basque language in all facets of their activity.

Supporters of the Basque language, speakers and several institutions will celebrate several activities during the day in order to celebrate the event.

Basque language was one of the minority languages that became available in Twitter recently. Last May, Twitter opened the Translation Center to Basque language. Twitter is available in 28 languages, thanks in large part to a community of nearly half a million translators around the world.

Twitter has become "a home for minority language communities". Basque language is the second most tweeted minority language on Twitter. More than 13000 Twitter account holders post their tweets mostly in Basque, second only to the number of Haitian Creole tweeters, more than 14000 in total. Basque is also available in Facebook.

Boise

Basques will also celebrate the International Day of the Basque language in Boise, where almost 10% of Boise’s approximately 211,000 residents have Basque heritage and form an active community.

The Boise Basques will be celebrating the use of the language as it is incorporated in a week-long series of cultural celebrations. On Monday, four levels of students who study Euskara offered by the Basque Museum & Cultural Center will gather together at the BasqueMuseum, with their instructors, in a celebration of the Basque language. Class followed by dinner and Christmas carols in Basque at Leku Ona Restaurant (117 S. 6th).