Language and identity construction in the Basque country

The Basque country is a relatively homogeneous region from a cultural point of view, and its unity is partly embodied in the Basque language. The declining practice of Basque and the slowing down of its generational transmission have long been identified with modernity. In Spain, since the end of the Franco era and the creation of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, the policy of revival and accommodation of the Basque language has led to an increase in the number of Basque speakers in the population. On the contrary, the French Basque country, which has not official existence, cannot implement such a policy and the number of Basque speakers tends to diminish. Yet, knowledge of Basque seems to have an impact on the process of identity construction to the extent that it fosters a feeling of belonging to the Basque country. In Euskadi, this belonging is reinforced by a regional autonomy that tends to legitimize the ascription of a Basque identity. In Iparralde, the absence of an official recognition of Basque culture leads to a linguistic decline that could fuel frustrations and the development of reactive identities.