A rare and ancient language, spoken by only a small community in the Basque Country, is on the brink of extinction. With just around 500 speakers left in Spain and France, this linguistic gem has remained largely unknown and unprotected. Consequently, its future looks bleak.
Many of the few remaining speakers are elderly. Moreover, they prefer to live quietly, avoiding attention and outside interest in their language.
A unique blend of cultures and history
This language, Erromintxela, is not officially recognised, nor does it fit the usual definition of a dialect. Linguists describe it as a “pogadolect,” a term that refers to the blending of two different languages. It emerged around 600 years ago when a group of Romani people settled in the Basque Country after fleeing persecution across Europe. Over time, the Romani and Basque communities influenced each other, creating a unique linguistic and cultural fusion.
Óscar Vizarraga, president of the Romani association Kale Dor Kayiko, explains that both languages have some structural similarities. These include their shared use of declension systems and suffixes. He also points out that this blending extends beyond language, with cultural traditions like the Caldereros festival in San Sebastián celebrating the arrival of the Romani people.
A language under threat
Despite its cultural significance, Erromintxela is rapidly disappearing. The younger generation is shifting towards more dominant languages such as Euskera (Basque) and Spanish, and there has been little effort to preserve this endangered tongue. Although researchers conducted the first major study of Erromintxela in the mid-1990s, they were unable to secure funding for further research, leaving the language in a precarious position.
The reluctance of its speakers to engage with the media or researchers has further complicated preservation efforts. “They don’t realise the cultural gem they hold,” Vizarraga says. He stresses the importance of recognising and protecting this linguistic heritage, which reflects centuries of shared history between the Romani and Basque peoples.
Urgent action needed
Time is running out to save this unique language. Kale Dor Kayiko is calling for renewed efforts to research and protect it before it disappears entirely. As Vizarraga emphasises, the language is not just a communication tool but a symbol of resilience and cultural exchange. He believes it is a shared heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
Languages in Spain
Spain is home to a rich tapestry of languages, each with its own cultural significance and historical roots. Besides Spanish (Castellano), which is the official language of the country, several other languages hold co-official status in their respective regions. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia (where it’s called Valencian), while Galician is the language of Galicia, and Euskera (Basque) is spoken in the Basque Country and parts of Navarra.
These languages are protected by regional governments and taught in schools, ensuring their survival and continued use. However, other minority languages, like Aranese in the Pyrenees (Vall d’Aran) or the now-endangered language of the Romani-Basque community, receive less attention and face greater challenges in securing official recognition and preservation