Zer dira eta zer ez dira arnasguneak? Zergatik dira garrantzitsuak?

Abstract

Mikel Zalbide has been a leading figure in the introduction, definition and dissemination of the concept of ‘arnasgune’ or breathing spaces in Basque sociolinguistics, both through his direct relationship with Joshua A. Fishman and his work, and as a result of his professional activities, research and reflections regarding the revitalisation of the Basque language. The debates and knowledge that emerged from the International Conference on the topic—and its related publication—were built upon foundations laid by Mikel Zalbide. Consequently, during the sessions held in Azpeitia (the Basque Country) on 16 and 17 October 2025, a video interview summarising Zalbide’s perspective on breathing spaces was shown (https://vimeo.com/1127291981). In light of the above, in this publication, we have decided to include some passages from an explanatory article written by the author on the concept of breathing spaces.
Issue number 110 of the Bat Soziolinguistika journal was a special issue focusing on this specific topic. The issue featured an article by Zalbide entitled ‘Arnasguneak. Etorkizuneko erronkak’ [Breathing spaces. Future challenges], in which he outlined the main characteristics of the concept.
What follows are some selected passages from the aforementioned article. Those who wish to read the work in its entirety should refer to the original text. Being well aware that publishing fragments provides only a partial view yet guided by the principle of respecting the literal text of the original, we have chosen to repro
duce the following three sections as they stand. The three sections are as follows:
I. What is a breathing space?
II. What is not a breathing space, either partially or fully?
III. Why are breathing spaces so important for the revitalisation of the Basque language?