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Basque Language and Culture
Where does it come from? The origins of Basque are not known. It is definitely not of the Indo-European family. Structural similarities with certain languages in Asia have been noted, but it is largely a completely isolated and independent language.
Some scholars believe it is descended from Aquitanian, which was spoken on the Iberian Peninsula and in Southern Gaul in ancient times. Other linguists think Basque is akin to the Caucasian languages, and suggest that its speakers came from Asia Minor to Spain and Gaul in 2000 BC.
How many people speak it? Basque is spoken by close to a million people.
In how many countries? Most of the people who speak Basque live in North Eastern Spain and in the South West of France.
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A spot of Culture The ancient language, customs, and traditions of the Basques distinguish them from all other peoples of Europe, and are probably the result of their relative isolation from the rest of Europe until recently.
Music & Dance: Basque music maintained its personality without undergoing radical changes despite possible Greek, Celtic, and Roman influences. There are two important contributions that the Basques made to European culture: the Isturitz flute and the Atxeta horn ; these are the earliest musical instruments of all European cultures.
Dancing and games play an important part in the lives of the Basque people, who are especially fond of a strenuous game known as jai alai.
Food & Drink There are many people in the Basque Country who will claim that Basque cooking is the best in the world. This is a likely case of nationalistic exaggeration, but it is true to say that the Basques have made the appreciation of good cooking one of the defining traits of their culture. In the Basque country, the cult of excellent food, far from being the exclusive domain of high society, extends to all sections of society.
