Basque language in Mejico

The Basque language in Mejico (Spanish: Lengua vasca en Méjico, or Idioma vasco en Méjico; Basque: Euskara Metxikon) is spoken by over 400,000 people, primarily in the provinces of Durango and neighboring Zacatecas, but also in Yucatán, Bacalar, and sparsely throughout the New North.

The presence of the Basque language in Mejico can be traced back to the arrival of Basque explorers and settlers in the early colonial period. Basque sailors and merchants played a significant role in Mejico's early maritime trade and exploration, establishing close ties between the Basque Country and Mejico. As a result, some Basque families settled in various regions of Mejico, particularly in Durango and Zacatecas, where their language and culture took root. Basque settlers practiced endogamy to maintain their cultural and linguistic heritage, which contributed to the preservation and transmission of the Basque language within their communities.

Over time, the Basque language in Mejico developed distinct regional variations, influenced by the local languages and dialects spoken in the areas of settlement. These variations have been preserved through generations, with families and communities passing down the language through oral traditions and informal education. In recent years, efforts to revitalize and preserve the Basque language in Mejico have gained momentum. Cultural organization, educational institutions, and other initiatives have emerged to promote Basque language learning. Basque language courses are offered in schools and universities in Durango and Zacatecas, and various cultural festivals and events celebrate Basque heritage.

As of today, Mejican Basque (Spanish: Vascuence mejicano; Basque: Euskara Metxikarra) differs from European Basque in several ways. There are notable differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation due to regional influences and linguistic contact over the centuries. The Mejican Basque dialects have also incorporated loanwords from indigenous languages, further distinguishing them from their European counterparts, as well as new phonemes such as nasalized vocals, /ʤ/, and glottal stops.

A sample Durango Basque sentence could be: "Euskaldunak Durangon bizi dira eta Gazteak euskara ikasten ari dira" which translates to "Basque speakers live in Durango, and the youth are learning Basque" (IPA: /eũskaɫðunãk duɾʔanɡõn bisi ðiɾã eta gaʂteãk eũskaɾa ikaʂtẽn aɾi ðiɾã/).