The importance of the Basque language in the Basque nationalism's discourse: central or complementary concept?

Abstract

The revolutionary Basque nationalism's discourse born in the 50s recognized language, instead of race, as the first factor of nationality. With the change of context, however, some Basque nationalists questioned that theory in the 80s: the capacity of the Basque language to unite the Basque nationalist community and to attract new members was questioned more and more. At the same time, that trend created concern in some nationalist sectors (the most pro Basque language): in face of Euskara's extinction, the nationalist movement was accused of a lack of commitment to the language. This article reflects these trends that focus on the importance of the Basque language.