The beginning of the academic year and Basque classes is especially active this year in the Spanish region of Rioja where various towns have begun to form groups to study the Basque language starting in October. The local Laminiturri Basque club, who has supported these classes for several years in Logroño, published the availability of these courses on social media and the response was better than expected. Classes are now being organized in Logroño, Najera, Haro and Alfaro and there is also the possibility of forming more groups.
Logroño, Spain. Members of the Laminiturri Cultural Association of Logroño are pleasantly surprised by the interest that has arisen over the last few months in Basque classes. “We have spread the word in Logroño and Najera on social media about them and people responded asking to organize classes also in Haro, in Alfaro…” club sources tell EuskalKultura.com.
In Logroño you cans study Basque at the Official School of Languages, and also, thanks to Laminiturri, at the ‘Universidad Popular’. “At this center courses are more introductory, but later there are people here who then jump to the courses offered at the Official School, where they can obtain degrees,” they explain.
In Najera an introductory class was also organized last year with 30 students and it will continue this year. In addition, this year a new group will surely be formed for advanced students.
The support of HABE and its language program for Basque clubs, Euskara Munduan, have been key in this process. “HABE gave us teaching material, trained our teachers and provided economic support. This allows us to offer classes at a more affordable price, because there are people interested who don’t have the means, and we want our classes to be accessible to everyone,” according to Laminiturri.
September is the month for enrollment and depending on the numbers different groups will be formed in the aforementioned towns. “There is a log of interest. Until now we have focused mainly on Logroño, but it seems that there is large demand in the towns as well,” they said. “We are happy with the great response; it has been a boost for our association that has around 150 members and friends.”
Besides the classes, the association also organizes “mintza-praktikak,” or conversation groups in Logroño and Haro. Anyone wishing to participate in these, or enroll in course can contact Laminiturri via email: laminiturri@laminiturri.org.
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