Boise Ikastola: Boise Basque Language Immersion Preschool

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Jacqueline Thursby

Abstract

Boise was one of the early settling places for the Basque people. There were hotels where the language was spoken, familiar foods were served, and familiar music, games, and dances were practiced. The language is a major marker in the Basque tradition. It cannot be definitively traced to any other language. There is an old joke told again and again to explain why the Basques are so good. It seems the devil decided to corrupt the pure people of the Basque region. Try as he might, he could not learn the difficult language. He learned “yes - bi” and “ no - es,” but that was all. Consequently, because he couldn’t tempt the Basques in their own language, he left and they remained very, very good people – even to this day. Right here on Grove Street, there is an old Basque hotel that has been lovingly restored and donated to the Basque community of Boise.

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