Are Basques an ethnic minority?
This situation makes the Basque community a linguistic minority, whose language (and identity) is in a vulnerable situation and a clear disadvantage compared to Spanish (or French).
What is considered Basque?
Basque, Spanish Vasco, or Vascongado, Basque Euskaldunak, or Euskotarak, member of a people who live in both Spain and France in areas bordering the Bay of Biscay and encompassing the western foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Who are the Basques and what are they known for?
As early as the 11th century, Basques were whalers, ship-builders, mariners, explorers, and missionaries who navigated ocean waters as far as Newfoundland and South America. Basques built and sailed Christopher Columbus’ fleet. The Basque Juan Elcano completed Magellan’s ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the world.
What are the Basques culture?
The Basque Country is a cross-border cultural region that has a distinctive culture including its own language, customs, festivals, and music. The Basques living in the territory are primarily represented by the symbol of the flag Ikurriña, as well as the Lauburu cross and the Zazpiak Bat coat of arms.
Are the Basques indigenous?
In terms of historical genetics these assumptions result in the Basque population be used as a “reference” for the indigenous component of the European ancestry which reaches back to the Last Glacial Maximum, and expanded from the Iberian refugium after the ice retreated.
What do Basques call themselves?
In Basque, people call themselves the euskaldunak, meaning a Basque speaker. Not all Basques are Basque-speakers. Therefore, the neologism euskotar, plural euskotarrak, was coined in the 19th century to mean a culturally Basque person, whether Basque-speaking or not.
What are the characteristics of Basque people?
The Basques clearly are a people which did not mingle with outsiders. Toughness – The Basques are a tough people, with a strong determination to preserve their national character. They defended themselves against the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Visigoths.
What is unique about Basque genetics?
Now, an international research team led by UPF has confirmed that the Basques’ genetic uniqueness is the result of genetic continuity since the Iron Age, characterized by periods of isolation and scarce gene flow, and not its external origin in respect to other Iberian populations.