The Role of Reputation:
History, Status and Outlook of
Romany and Basque
Introduction

Romany & Basque

Similarities
• Mysterious Histories
• Plagued with poor
reputations

Differences
• Land Claims
• Economic Status
• State Recognition
Romany
History of the Roma People
 Centuries
ago the Roma migrated to
Europe from Northern India.
 In the 18th Century a linguistic link
between Romany and Sanskrit was
discovered.
 Traveling musicians, blacksmiths, pot
menders, entertainers.
 Highly persecuted throughout history.
 Stereotyped predominantly as thieves.
Status of Romany
 Approximately
 Many

1.5-4.5 Million speakers
dialects
A collection of related languages that
comprise all the members of a single genetic
subgroup.
 No
Official Status in Europe
 Falls under the protection of the European
Charter for Regional or Minority
Languages
Outlook of Romany

Many do not identify
themselves as Roma
 Traditional lifestyles
clash with modern
societies
 BUT transnational
organizations have
emerged to promote
the rights of the Roma
and the preservation
of Romany.
Basque
History of Basque
 Language
Isolate
 Languages of the Region were:


Latin
French or Castilian Spanish
 Basque
Nationalist Movement began in
the middle of the 19th Century.
 In 1950s, the nationalism swelled into
separatism.
Status of Basque





A standardized Basque Grammar was published in
1968.
Schools began using Basque as the primary
language of instruction.
In 1982 Basque became one of the official
languages of the region.
There are approximately 600,000 speakers,
primarily in Spain and France.
Basque is protected under the European Charter
for Regional and Minority Languages.
Outlook of Basque


Strong associations of
language with culture and
nationalism.
Today there are:





Daily newspapers
Websites and Institutes
promoting Basque
Study Abroad Programs
Pop Music in Basque
Recently Basque gained
recognition as a working
language within the EU.
Conclusion


Basque and Romany are endangered languages with very
different statuses.
Basque’s advantages:





Romany’s Advantages:




Claim to land and standardized language
Strong nationalism associated with language
Traditionally European
Recognized and protected by Spain and the EU
Nomadic group with limited contact with outsiders
Over 1 million speakers
Recent enlargement of EU could be advantageous
At the current state, Basque has managed to overcome its
image as terrorists and appears to have a much better
chance for survival.
Bibliography
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