Euskara hirian: indar gidari bila (Jagon XIX. jardunaldia: euskara biziberritzen Euskal Herriko hiriburuetan)

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship of the Basque language with the city. It offers first a diachronic approach, focusing on speeches and initiatives in favor of the language that have emerged in Basque cities since industrialization. Then, it identifies the main driving forces of each historical period and, after accounting for sociology-demographic changes in recent years, activities and contemporary experiences in three cities in the western part of the country (Bilbao, Getxo and Vitoria-Gasteiz) are described. Finally, some points are made that may serve to future driving forces for Basque in the new urban ecosystem in which it has to develop.