Basque language immersion in Argentina

The Etxepare Basque Institute has organised a barnetegi, or Basque language immersion course, in Villa María (Córdoba, Argentina) as part of the Euskara Munduan programme. From January 18th to 25th, twenty students will participate in the course. During this week, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Basque culture and enhance their language skills.

The group is made up of 19 people from Argentina and one from Chile. In January 2024 they started learning Basque as first-time beginners, with the intention of becoming Basque teachers in their respective Euskal Etxeak (Basque centers). They’ve just completed level A1, and over the course of seven days they will reinforce their knowledge with the goal of reaching level A2 by spring.

Once the intensive course is over the students will continue their training from their respective cities of residence through the Euskara Munduan programme online platform. They will then take part in the next barnetegi, which will take place in July.

The barnetegi will be coordinated by Gabriela Mendia (FEVA) and Kinku Zinkunegi, head of the Euskara Munduan programme. The classes will be given by two Argentinian teachers: Gabriel Arze and Sabrina Otegui. Materials designed at the Maizpide euskaltegi (Basque language school) will be used during the course.