Third Cultural Post

[Maddie Philips]

Basque is a complex culture to understand in terms of non-verbal communication, etc. because the modern Basques are technically French or Spanish, two countries which are very different in culturally. Because of this, there are a few overlapping similarities, but there are many cultural differences between the Basques of France and the Basques of Spain. One is that French Basques are some of the least reserved people of France, while Spanish Basques are some of the most reserved people of Spain.  Because of this, the space between two people during a conversation would be much closer between French Basques than it would be between Spanish Basques. Both sides are considered more collectivist cultures however, with the historical concept of a baserri, or family farm, which would be passed on to the eldest child, son or daughter. Basque culture has always been located around the home, with most people giving their houses names, and taking their own last name from their house, like Carricaburu, which means end of a street. Becuase of this, Basques are very family-oriented.