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The Mintzanet Project held its 2014 awards ceremony yesterday in Donostia where Mariaje Barandiaran received the best “Bidelagun” award (a Basque speaker who helps other practice) and Raul Alfaro was the best “Bidelari” (someone who practices Euskera via Skype).  Directors of the project emphasized that there are many Basque in the Diaspora participating and learning/practicing Basque online.  

Donostia-San Sebastian.  The Mintzanet 2014 awards ceremony took place yesterday at the Doctor Camino Library in Donostia, with supporters and participants of the project to practice Basque in attendance.  The awards recognize users who have stood out throughout the year, either as a “Bidelagun” or a “Bidelari.”  The winner of the first category was Mariaje Barandiaran, and Raul Alfaro received the award for the best “Bidelari.”

The event was attended by various representatives of organizations who support the imitative such as: Zigor Etxeburua (Director of Euskera at the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa), Joseba Erkizia (Director of HABE), Aizpea Goenaga (Director of the Etxepare Institute), Nerea Txapartegi (Director of Euskera at Donostia’s Town Hall), Jon Zarate (Vice-president of the University of the Basque Country), Arrate Illaro (Topagunea), Marian Astigarraga (coordinator of AEK in Gipuzkoa), and Aitziber Gurutzeaga (from Bagera).

Many Basques in the Diaspora

At the event, Ritxi Lizartza, director of Maramara* spoke about the evolution of Mintzanet from its creation in 2012:   “Last year we had 2,552 sessions, with 550 people participating and currently we have between 250 and 275 active participating and so we can easily say that we are succeeding.”  Lizartza also emphasized that 20% of the students are Basques in the Diaspora.

Participation in this project is free and very easy.  All you have to do is register at Mintzanet.net, filling in this form and choosing your Bidelari (a student, or person who wishes to practice) or your Bidelagun (a helper, or Basque speaker who is ready to speak online).  It isn’t necessary to have a degree in Basque in order to be a helper, or even be a Batua Basque speaker leaving each speaker able to use his/her own dialect.  For example, many Basques in the US use various dialects. Once you have filled in the form, Mintzanet will put you in touch with another participant.

In any case, for any questions or technical help email: info@mintzanet.net  or call (34) 943.504.206.

We leave you with a video of one of the users talking about his experience.  She is Covadonga Arranz, a Basque student in Valladolid, Spain who practices Basque with Maitane Gabiria, a Basque speaker in Edinburgh!