Maria Ruiz has participated in a colloquium to motivate the students of the ikastolas of Rioja Alavesa to live the Basque language

Maria Ruiz has participated in a colloquium to motivate the students of the ikastolas of Rioja Alavesa to live the Basque language

The objective of the event was to show, in the context of Euskaraldia, the personal and, above all, professional experience of some alumni who attended Assa Ikastola.

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Maria Ruiz, a native of Labastida, alumnus and current researcher and professor at Mondragon Unibertsitatea, studied at the ikastola. The former student argues that, despite the fact that the main language heard in the Rioja Alavesa is Spanish, the work of the ikastolas there is so effective that anyone who develops their education in them can live the Basque language 24 hours a day, like any other. She notes that she has never had any communication problems in Basque since moving to Arrasate 11 years ago.

Switching language from one day to the other and trying to speak Basque is a challenge for the majority of the population of Rioja Alavesa, but with willpower and leaving aside fear and shame, it is possible, as the knowledge is there, and it is only a matter of trust. She emphasises that it is great to listen to the population speak Basque outside, as being able to speak fluently despite one's difficulties has even more merit.

“We must all do our part and believe that we can do it. It is up to us to face difficulties and make these topics disappear. The biggest challenge is that those who know how to speak Basque feel that they are able and do it.”