Center for Basque Studies Newsletter ISSN: 1537-2464 Center for Basque Studies N E W S L E T T E R

Writers in between languages SPRING Minority Literatures in the Global Scene 2008 by Estibalitz Ezkerra; translated by Lisa Corcostegui

The Center for Basque Studies hosted the the conference as a catalyst for voices within conference “Writers In Between Languages: the academic community that in recent years NUMBER 76 Minority Literatures in the Global Scene” have been calling for a revision of the canon May 15 through 17, which was attended by of Iberian literature. The current orientation many well-known scholars of the Iberian of the discipline has hindered an accurate re- Peninsula. flection of the multiple cultural and linguistic realities that coexist in the Iberian Peninsula. In this issue: Two days after the Center for Basque Stud- ies’ conference, Dr. Elena Delgado of the One of the most salient observations that Literature conference 1 University of Illinois sent a message to the resulted from the intense three-day confer- organizers and her fellow participants thank- ence was that minority literatures have not Advisory Board meeting 3 ing them for an experience that she referred been studied on an individual basis, but rather Atxaga wins awards 4 to as an “oasis in the desert.” This sentiment in relation to the dominant language, Spanish. was shared by all of the participants who saw (continued on page 2) Ph.D. students 5 Basque Symposium 6 Highlights 7 New publications 8 Udaleku 2008 10 Study Abroad in the Basque Country 11 Conference Papers 12

Literature conference participants, kneeling, l. to r.: Nerea Arruti, Luis Cifuentes, Estibalitz Ezkerra, Marijo Olaziregi; in center: Aurelia Arcocha, Iban Zaldua, Miren Meabe; back row: A semi-annual publication of the Teresa Vilarós-Soler, Bernardo Atxaga, Xabier Irujo, Marta Pascual Llorens, Xavier Pla, Center for Basque Studies Rikardo Arregi, Alfredo Sosa-Velasco, Mario Santana, Joseba Zulaika, Michael Ugarte, Joan University of Nevada, Reno R. Resina, Mariasun Landa, Igor Calzada. [Photo by Iñigo Aztiz] Reno, NV 89557-2322

1 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter (continued from page 1) Participants concluded that this situation can writers” to vindicate authors that were dis- only be rectified by reversing or deactivating criminated against because they did not write this mindset so that these literatures may be in the dominant language. There was a time evaluated on their own terms. when the term marrano was used derogato- rily to refer to Catalonian Jews in the same Conference organizer Dr. Mari Jose Olaziregi way we see the term “terrorist” used today to remarked that the papers presented throughout refer to those who challenge centralized au- the conference revealed that despite geograph- thority. Vilarós-Soler views the appropriation ic and cultural differences, these Iberian mi- of this derogatory term as empowering for nority literatures face many of the same chal- marginalized authors. lenges. Olaziregi considered the conference a success in that it provided a venue in which to Empowerment of voices from former Span- take stock of the current situation and reflect ish colonies in Africa, specifically Equato- As this newsletter goes to print, we upon the need to de- rial Guinea, was are in the process of moving into the velop joint strategies the point of “Exile, new Mathewson-IGT Knowledge to decentralize and The conference was a catalyst Dissemination, Center (above) and will report more “ re-theorize minority and Homogeniza- in the next issue. Please note that the for voices within the academic literature studies. tion: The Case of Center and Basque Library’s mailing community that are calling Equatorial Guinea addresses and phone numbers have not changed (use of the building name A Wide Range of for a revision of the canon of as the Space of a is not needed in the address). [photo: Topics Iberian literature.” Minority Language,” Theresa Danna-Douglas] The conference title, offered by Michael “Writers In Between Ugarte, professor in The Center for Basque Studies Languages: Minority the Department of Newsletter is a semi-annual Literatures in the Global Scene,” allowed for Romance Languages and Literatures at the publication sent free of charge infinite possibilities and interpretations and University of Missouri. In his paper, Ugarte to any interested readers. If this was reflected in the nineteen papers that examined racial and sexual stereotypes that you would like to receive the were delivered. Some of them focused on the affect Guinean literature written in Spanish. newsletter in paper format, present and future of the field of philology. Considered a minority on its own soil and please send your name and This was the case of Joan Ramon Resina’s overlooked in , the Spanish-language postal address to: paper entitled “Post-Hispanism, or the Long literature of Equatorial Guinea finds itself Goodbye of National Philology.” Dr. Resina, in a situation that can only be resolved by Center for Basque Studies / 2322 Chair of the Spanish and Portuguese Depart- consciousness-raising efforts. University of Nevada, Reno ment at Stanford, called for ending Spanish- Reno, NV 89557-2322 language hegemony in Iberian philology. He Eztibalitz Ezkerra presented “Not Everybody also stressed the need to re-examine the meth- Sings from the Motherland. Diasporic Basque Or e-mail us at: [email protected] odology currently employed to analyze liter- Voices and Their Place in Basque Literature,” Or phone: 775.784.4854 ary texts as it focuses too heavily on linguistic in which she argued that the notion of Basque Or fax: 775.784.1355 aspects and too little on theory. identity, traditionally linked to a specific geographical area and language (Euskara), The newsletter is also available In her paper titled “The Astigmatic Eye and should be revised to include voices from the electronically, in a printable the Location of Minority Languages,” Elena diaspora, such as that of North American format. If you would like to Delgado, professor in the Spanish, Italian, and author Robert Laxalt. receive the newsletter in Portuguese Department at the University of electronic format, thus saving Illinois, proposed the decolonization of the The concept of “nation” was examined by printing and postage costs, current paradigm in order to establish points Harvard professor Luis Fernández Cifuentes please specify this option and let of convergence between literatures and avoid in his paper, “Charting National Territories: us know your e-mail address. hierarchies and centralization around the The Excursion Mode,” in which he analyzed dominant literature. In order to do this she travel literature and how it articulates with Please visit our web site: advocated envisioning the problem through an national identity. Xavier Pla, professor of astigmatic eye in which there is not one single Catalan Contemporary Literature and Liter- and exact point of vision, but rather multiple ary Theory in the Department of Philology basque.unr.edu points, just as there are multiple stories writ- and Philosophy of the Universitat de Girona, ten in a single language. spoke about the national relevance of Catalo- Produced by the Center for Basque nian literature in “Jospeh Pla: Localism, or a Teresa Vilarós-Soler, chair of the Hispanic Complete Way of Viewing the World.” Studies, University of Nevada, Studies Department at the University of Ab- Reno. Jill Berner, editor. erdeen in Scotland, presented “D’un temps, The Role of Language d’una llengua: Salvador Espiriú como escritor The status of invisibility to which some The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal marrano.” In this paper she proposed a dif- languages are relegated once works are trans- Opportunity / Affirmative Action, ADA institu- ferent terminology, using the label “marrano lated was the subject of Mario Santana’s “On tion. 07/08 8,300. 2 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter

Visible and Invisible Languages: Bernardo Advisory Board Meeting Atxaga’s Soinujolearen semea in Transla- tion.” The University of Chicago professor of February 2008 explained that it has become fairly common practice not to mention in a book whether or Our spring Advisory Board meeting was held and Diane Root, Sandra Ott (Advisory Board not it has been translated from another lan- on February 23 in the new Crowley Student administrator), and Carmelo Urza (director of guage. Thus, the language of the translation, Union building. Present were Board members USAC). which merely serves as a bridge between the Anita Anacabe Franzoia, Michonne Ascuaga, author’s work and the reader, is passed off as Mike Bidart, William Douglass (vice Words of welcome were given by University original. Inserting words in the original lan- chairman), Emilia Doyaga, John Echeverria President Milton Glick and Liberal Arts Dean guage (Basque) into the translations of works (chairman), Pete Ernaut, Eric Herzik (co- Heather Hardy. The president outlined his like Soinujolearen semea (The Accordionist’s director of the CBS), Justice Ron Parraguirre, strategies for creating a culture of completion Son) is one way of combating this phenom- Pello Salaburu, Koldo San Sebastián, on campus and for dealing with a three million enon that often renders minority languages Nikolas Skalomenos (on behalf of Antonio dollar shortfall, following cuts in the higher invisible. de Ynchausti), and Joseba Zulaika (co- education budget by Nevada’s Governor. Eric Herzik’s leadership during the University of Cincinnati professor Alfredo J. budget crisis played an essential Sosa-Velasco presented a paper titled “Mem- role in the Center’s ability to cope ory, Past, and Writing in the Global Scene: with the cuts. Bernardo Atxaga’s El hijo del acordeonista and Carme Riera’s La mitad del alma.” He The annual report on CBS considers both of these works as “places activities and accomplishments, of memory” and maintains that along with given by Eric Herzik, covered our memory, language should be preserved as publications agenda, our Ph.D. an element that defines the community that program, and outreach activities speaks it. such as conferences and newsletter distribution. The Board then Basque authors who participated in the con- accepted Philippe Acheritogaray of ference also focused on the importance of San Francisco and Steve Trounday language. Rikardo Arregi presented a paper of Reno as new board members. titled “I Don’t Know Who ‘I’ Is,” in which he talked about the impossibility of defin- Representing his uncle, Antonio ing oneself. Aurelia Arcocha’s “Writing in de Ynchausti, Nikolas Skalomenos Basque and in French in the Global Frame: Mike Franzoia, husband of Advisory Board member presented the Philippine Report The Experience of Hybridization” examined Anita Anacabe Franzoia, with Board Administrator 2007 for the Ynchausti Foundation the situation of authors who work between Sandra Ott beside a display of Center for Basque and encouraged collaboration two linguistic and literary systems (French Studies publications. between the Center, its Board, and and Basque). On a similar note, Mariasun the Ynchausti Foundation as it lays Landa discussed how enriching it can be to be director of the CBS). In addition were guests the groundwork for its Basque Studies Center. situated between two languages in “Identity, Bernardo Atxaga (the William A. Douglass Language, Creation (An Autobiographical Visiting Scholar at the CBS), Kate Camino Board members later toured the new premises Approach).” In her paper, “Five Reasons to (CBS office manager), John Carothers in the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. Write in the Language of the Neighborhood,” (vice president, Development and Alumni The Center and Basque Library will move Miren Agur Meabe emphasized feelings Relations at UNR), Milton Glick (president there in July, and the building opens to the associated with language use. Iban Zaldua of UNR), Stuart Golder (CLA director of public August 11. The chairman proposed an addressed the attendees with his paper, “Eight development), Heather Hardy (dean of the official opening of the Center’s new quarters, Crucial Decisions (That a Basque Writer Is College of Liberal Arts, UNR), Xabier Irujo possibly in spring 2009. Obliged to Face)” in which he called for free (CBS faculty), Cheryl Miglioretto, Lloyd use of language and avoidance of essentialist discourse. The role of Basque-language literature in An addendum nation-building was examined by Mari Jose Olaziregi in “Old Nations, New Identities: In our last newsletter, we mentioned that the expenditure of $15,000 to provide these books Basque Literature and Its Others,” and by fiftieth anniversary edition ofSweet Promised to the students. Bernardo Atxaga in his paper “The Cork Land was sent to all fall 2007 freshman stu- and the Anchor.” Both agreed that the desire dents to read prior to the start of the semester, Sweet Promised Land is Robert Laxalt’s book to keep a language alive is not enough to as part of the Summer Scholars program at about his Basque immigrant father, who was a make a literature or the language it is written UNR. We neglected to note that the Center’s sheepherder in the American West. During ori- in thrive. Atxaga pointed out that the first Advisory Board executive committee for our entation sessions, the students met in groups to quasi-endowment fund had authorized an discuss the work and its significance to Nevada. (continued on page 4)

3 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter (continued from page 3) Bernardo Atxaga, CBS literature may have been politically or ideologically motivated, and perhaps this type of motivation may be more important than Douglass Scholar, receives we realize. Certain French intellectuals say that the dominance of English is unnatural. literary awards However, it goes without saying that Antonio Machado, Paul Valery, Graham Greene, Celebrated Basque author Bernardo Atxaga, Lessing, Günter Grass, Octavio Paz, and José Cesare Pavese, Ernest Hemingway, and many this year’s William Douglass Distinguished Saramago. other authors owe their fame to their readers Scholar at the Center for Basque Studies, has more than anything else. been awarded two coveted prizes in Italian Atxaga’s work will now compete with that of literature for his novel The Accordionist’s Son two other authors for an even greater prize, Although Basque literature has a large (titled Il libro del mio fratello in Italian). an annual award promoted by the Piedmont following on its home turf, Olaziregi Region of Italy and the CRT Foundation remarked that Basque literature is still In January he was awarded the Grinzane (Cassa di Risparmio di Torino, or Turin). markedly absent from the international scene Cavour Prize for a foreign work, and recently The prize is internationally renowned and in with the singular exception of the works of was also granted the Premio Letterario Inter- some cases has been the precursor to a Nobel Bernardo Atxaga. To address this, Olaziregi nazionale Mondello- Prize. The final award will be recommends analyzing the strategies that Citta di Palermo, decided in June by twenty- have been employed until now to detect or Mondello Prize. seven judges from Italy and flaws, and find more effective alternatives. The Mondello Prize other countries, as well as According to Atxaga, part of the problem is one of the most literary critics. lies in the fact that for some authors, writing prestigious in Eu- in Basque is an easy way to get published. rope. Atxaga was The Accordionist’s Son, first A contemporary Basque writer benefits from unanimously chosen published in Basque in 2003, staying within that realm, in his own asteroid; for the foreign writer has been translated into ten that is the shortest path to becoming known in category for The Ac- languages. It was recently the literary world. cordionist’s Son. published in English transla- tion by Harvill Press (U.K.) The conference also served as a venue to The Mondello prize and has received excellent discuss the role of literature in conflict was awarded on reviews. resolution. Dartmouth College professor May 23–24, 2008. In Annabel Martin presented a paper titled addition to the award Bernardo Atxaga is a well- “Critical Basque Studies: Literature or the ceremony, a round- known author in Europe and Political Contours of the Possible,” in which table was held with his work has earned many she appealed to the power of literature as some of this year’s literary awards and much a vehicle for a pedagogy of peace. Also winners, including critical acclaim. International along these lines, University of Aberdeen Bernardo Atxaga, recognition came after the professor Nerea Arruti examined the role Andrea Bajani, publication of his novel of literature and its capacity to address the Antonio Scurati, Flavio Soriga, and Tzvetan Obabakoak (1988), which was awarded the “elephant in the middle of the room,” such Todorov. Spanish National Fiction Prize. It has been as the armed conflict of Ireland, in her paper, translated into over twenty-six languages. He “On the Lightness of Being: The Conflict The 34th Mondello Prize is sponsored by the also writes short stories, poetry, and essays. of Belonging in Basque Literature.” Arruti Banco di Sicilia Foundation and the Andrea Three of his other novels, The Lone Man, spoke of social problems that are difficult Biondo Foundation. Previous winners include The Lone Woman, and Two Brothers, have to address appropriately and pointed out major authors in world literature, including also been translated into English. the need for open spaces in which multiple Nobel Prize winners Josef Brodskji, Doris tensions that reside in Basque society can be * * * voiced.

In addition to conference sessions, partici- pants also had the opportunity to visit some The proceedings of “Writers in Between of the Reno area’s tourist destinations includ- Languages: Minority Literatures in the Global ing Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Virginia Scene” will be compiled and published by the City. Center for Basque Studies in their Conference Papers Series within the next year. The Conference on Literature was broadly reviewed in the Basque Country media, with [This article was originally published as lengthy articles appearing in El Pais, Berria, “Necesidad de una Nueva Cartografía” Diario Vasco, El Correo, Deia, ETB, and (Re-Mapping Minority Literature Studies) Gara. The press was very favorable in their in the Mugalari section of Gara, May 31, reports on the conference. 2008. Translated from the Spanish by Lisa Corcostegui, Center for Basque Studies.]

4 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Basque Ph.D. students Basque Scholarship complete degrees awards for 2008–09 The Center has granted three scholarship This spring, two of our Basque Studies awards this year to students attending the Ph.D. students successfully completed the University of Nevada, Reno. The undergradu- dissertation defense process and achieved ate scholarships are for Nevada residents of their doctoral degrees. Basque descent. On May 7, Ph.D. candidate Juan Arana Amaya Zaga of Lamoille, Nevada received presented his dissertation, “Jorge Oteiza: Art the Dolores Saval Trigero Scholarship of as Sacrament, Avant-Garde and Magic.” His $1,000, to be divided between the fall and area of emphasis was philosophy, focusing spring semesters. She plans to major in on art and aesthetics, with Center co-director Health Ecology and eventually go to medical Joseba Zulaika serving as director of his school. Shelby Graham of Lovelock, Nevada research. was awarded the Peter Echeverria Scholar- ship in the amount of $1,000, which will also Joseba Zulaika and Juan Arana. be divided between fall and spring semesters. We were unable to award the Ordoqui Schol- arship because none of the applicants had enrolled in the Basque minor. Argitxu Camus Etchecopar, who completed her Ph.D. in Basque Studies with an emphasis Ph.D. student Mariann Vaczi was awarded in history, defended her dissertation on May the Frances A. Echeverria Graduate Stu- 8. Her dissertation was on “A Historical dent Award, designed to assist the student Comparative Study of Basque Institutions in in completing a dissertation. Ms. Vaczi is the United States.” Ms. Camus’ committee pursuing her doctorate with an emphasis in co-directors were Joseba Zulaika and Oscar anthropology, focusing on an ethnography Alvarez of the University of the Basque of the soccer team . She has Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, who traveled to been a Research Assistant at the Center since Reno to participate in the event. Oscar Alvarez and Argitxu Camus fall of 2007. She has three Master’s degrees: 2005, Sociology and Social Anthropology Etchecopar. The Center congratulates our students on at Central European University, Budapest; their success. Zorionak, Argitxu and Juan! 2006, American Studies, ELTE University, Budapest; 2007, Translation Studies, ELTE University, Budapest.

Visiting scholar Igor Calzada We wish to thank the generous donors who receives prestigious award have made these awards possible, and also to congratulate the scholars and wish them the best in their studies. Igor Calzada, sociologist and senior research- ativity. He holds Ph.D. degrees from Helsinki er-director for a project on the Mondragón University (Finland) and Deusto University Cooperative at Mondragón University (Spain). For further information, please see: Basque topics (Spain), is a visiting scholar at the Center http://www.igorcalzada.com. for 2008–2009. Dr. Calzada is conducting presented in weekly research at UNR on “The Basque City: So- articles cial Innovation and Creativity” and recently The North American Basque Organizations, received a research award for the project, Inc. (NABO) offers a weekly online news presented by the Spanish prince of Asturias and information report, “Astero,” delivered to Felipe de Borbón, in Madrid on May 28. The interested readers via e-mail notification. The project is being developed in collaboration reports, produced by John Ysursa of the Chi- with the Center. no Basque Club, have included such topics as the Basque population of the U.S., NABO’s Dr. Calzada has worked as Project Director Basque Cultural Literacy project, Basque and Principal Researcher at the Mondragón genealogy links, and many others. Innovation and Knowledge Research Center (MIK), of one of the largest corporations in To subscribe to this service please send an Spain; and MCC Group, Mondragón Coop- e-mail to [email protected]. You can also erative Corporation. He is also a professor at view the archived articles by going to the Mondragón University, teaching postgraduate Cristina Garmendia, Minister of Innovation, NABO web page at www.nabasque.org and courses on management, innovation, and cre- with Igor Calzada. clicking on “Astero.” 5 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Basque Symposium held at Bernardo Atxaga lecture presented UC Santa Barbara

A Basque Studies Symposium, the first of a Papers presented by Center staff included series of Basque Studies conferences, took Dr. Olaziregi’s lecture on “Basque Literature place at the University of California, Santa Today,” which offered a description of Barbara on May 14, focusing on linguistics the evolution of Basque literature, and a and literature considered from broad comment on the works of authors such as perspectives. Organizer Viola Miglio reported Landa, Arcocha, and Meabe. Questions that the conference was well-attended regarding the actual literary system, gender, with over a hundred people at the opening and the connections between Basque session, and fifty to seventy attendees at literature and the Nation also were addressed. the specialized sessions on linguistics and Dr. Xabier Irujo gave a presentation on literature. “ Rights,” discussing the situation in both the Spanish and the French It is hoped that the success of the conference regions; and Estibalitz Ezkerra spoke on will help keep an interest in Basque Studies “Not Everybody Sings from the Motherland. alive at UC Santa Barbara, and that they Basque Diasporic Voices and Their Place in Bernardo Atxaga may soon open the search for the endowed Basque Literature.” Barandiarán Chair and again offer courses in Bernardo Atxaga, William Douglass Basque topics on a regular basis. The event was sponsored by the Department Distinguished Scholar at the Center for of Spanish and Portuguese, Latin American 2007–2008, gave a presentation on April The papers addressed a 24 at the University of Nevada, Reno on number of topics: Basque “Sobre la Poesía.” He incorporated readings syntax and words, language of several English-language poems into his policy and rights, the lecture, as well as reflections on some of his status of women authors, experiences in the United States. Atxaga is a contemporary Basque well-known Basque author whose work has literature, and projecting earned many literary awards, most recently the identity of a small for his novel The Accordionist’s Son (see nation onto a global scene. story on page 4). Speakers included Ricardo Etxepare of the Centre In addition to novels and poetry, Atxaga also Nacional de la Recherche writes short stories, children’s literature, and Scientifique (CNRS), essays. His poetry volumes include Etiopia , ; Xabier (Ethiopia) in 1978 and Nueva Etiopia (New Irujo of the Center for Ethiopia) in 1997. Many of his poems have Basque Studies; Julen also been translated into other languages and Manterola Agirre of the published in prestigious European journals. University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz; Basque Symposium participants (back, from left) José Ignacio Hualde, Mariasun Landa, Miren Meabe, Esti Ezkerra; (front, University of Illinois, from left) Aurelia Arcocha and Marijo Olaziregui. Urbana-Champaign; Juan Uriagereka, University of Maryland, College Park; Mari Jose Olaziregi, and Iberian Studies Program, Comparative Bakersfield presents Center for Basque Studies and University Literature Program, and Linguistics Basque Symposium of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz; and Department of UCSB; IKER/CNRS Basque Estibalitz Ezkerra, University of Nevada, Texts and Language Study Center (Bayonne, The 3rd Annual California State University- Reno. A round-table discussion on Literature France); the University of Nevada, Reno; and Bakersfield Basque Studies Symposium was and Translation was conducted by Basque Boise State University. held May 3, 2008 at the Dezember Leader- writers Aurelia Arcocha, Mariasun Landa, ship Development Center. Xabier Irujo spoke and Miren Agur Meabe. about the , or ancient civil laws of the Basque Country, Joxe Mallea spoke about  Basque tree carvings, and European Parlia- ment Member Mikel Irujo discussed the  and the European Union.

6 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Highlights

On January 11, Mari Jose Olaziregi was a On April 10, Joseba Zulaika attended a Pedro Oiarzabal published two articles: visiting lecturer at the University of Valen- presentation of the book Learning from “A Review of Theoretical Approaches cia (Spain) where she gave a postgraduate the Bilbao Guggenheim, a collection of to Identity: the Basque Case,” in the course on “Literature and Ideology.” Also, papers from the conference of that name Journal of the Society of Basque Stud- while in Spain she served as a member of (Center for Basque Studies, University ies in America, Vol. 27 (2007); and, with the jury for the Donostia Hiria Literary of Nevada, Reno, 2004), at the Lace Los Dr. Fernando Molina of the University Award. Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions in of the Basque Country, “Basque-Atlantic the company of John Welchman, Andrea Shores. Ethnicity, the Nation-state, and the Joseba Zulaika gave a paper entitled “Politi- Fraser, Anna Maria Guasch, Sere Gilbaut, Diaspora in Europe and America (1808- cal Radicalisation in the Basque Country” and Allan Sekula. Zulaika and Guasch are 1898),” in Ethnic and Racial Studies, Vol. at the conference on “Radicalisation and the co-editors of the volume. 31 (2008). Terrorism,” South African Institute of International Affairs, March 6–8. Joseba Zulaika and William A. Douglass Lisa Corcostegui, a graduate of the Basque co-authored “The Terrorist Subject: Ter- Studies Ph.D. program, has been hired In February, Dr. Olaziregi taught a post- rorism Studies and the Absent Subjec- as a part-time assistant to update and gradute seminar on Contemporary Basque tivity,” published in Critical Terrorism improve the Center’s web site. We are Narrative as a visiting professor at the Studies, 1:25–36. grateful for her expertise and look forward University of Bayonne (France). to her creative contributions. In April, Sandra Ott presented a paper at On January 10, 2008, Pedro J. Oiarzabal, a the annual conference of the Society for Mari Jose Olaziregi published the article Visiting Research Scholar at the Univer- French Historical Studies, held at Rutgers “Bernardo Atxaga: un escritor del desi- sity of Nevada Oral History Program, was University. Her paper, titled “The Loca- erto” in the Boletin Galego de Literatura invited by the University of ’s tion of Power in Franco-Basque-German No. 36–37 (2006–07): 247–54. Basque Language and Culture Depart- Relations during the Occupation,” formed ment to give a talk entitled “Basque part of the session on Resistance and Col- Pedro J. Oiarzabal has published a book Identity Today: The Basque Country and laboration in Twentieth-Century France. review on Paddy Woodworth’s latest its Diaspora.” Archival research for the project was work, The Basque Country: A Cultural generously funded by a College of Liberal History (Oxford University Press, 2007) The Oxford University journal, French His- Arts Scholarly and Creative Activities in the Journal of Contemporary European tory, published an article by Sandra Ott Grant. Studies 16: 2 (2008). in its March issue entitled “The Informer, the Lover and the Gift Giver: Female Col- This past spring, Dr. Sandra Ott received During spring semester, Sandra Ott was a laborators in Pau, 1940–1946.” The article official confirmation of tenure as an -as McNair Scholar Mentor to an undergradu- focuses on letters written by a Nazi officer sociate professor in Basque Studies. ate geography student, Gretchen Hill, to a woman in Pau (the gift giver). His who has a special interest in the Basques letters and his relationships with the three Dr. Mari Jose Olaziregi gave an invited of the Great Basin. On October 20, 2007, women provide an unusual opportunity to lecture, an “Introduction to the Literary she presented a poster at the Association recapture a sense of day to day life in oc- Universe of Bernardo Atxaga,” at the Uni- of Pacific Coast Geographers annual con- cupied France. The article was published versity of California, Davis on April 6. ference held in Long Beach, California. online as well. Her poster, “Major Expressions of Basque Axier Oiarbide of the Department of Physi- Identities in the Great Basin,” received the Sandra Ott taught a new one-credit course, cal Education, University of the Basque President’s Award for Outstanding Paper “Basques in the Sweet Promised Land,” Country gave a presentation on March 31 by an Undergraduate Student. through Extended Studies in April. The at UNR on “Una etnografía sobre futbol: course entailed literary analysis of Robert el Ordizia Kirol Elkartea en la preferente Spring 2008 courses offered by the Center for Laxalt’s memoir within the context of Old Guipuzcoana.” Mr. Oiarbide is complet- Basque Studies were: Elementary Basque and New World Basque culture. ing his doctoral dissertation based on a I and Second-year Basque, taught by Kate comparison of three physical activities: Camino; Basque Culture, taught by San- In April, Mari Jose Olaziregi served as a mountain trekking, aerobic exercise, and dra Ott; Basque Politics by Xabier Irujo; judge for the Koldo Mitxelena Literary soccer (futbol). He was a visiting scholar and Museums, Architecture, and City Award, in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. sponsored by the University Studies Renewal: the Bilbao Guggenheim (online) Abroad Consortium. by Joseba Zulaika. David Río, Professor of American Literature at the University of the Basque Country, Mari Jose Olaziregi served on two Ph.D. Mari Jose Olaziregi was a visiting scholar published a review of the fiftieth anni- committees in Spain, one at the Univer- at the University of Konstanz, Germany versary edition of Robert Laxalt’s Sweet sity of Santiago de Compostela and one from June 8–13, and taught a course on Promised Land in Western American at UPV-Vitoria. She attended the thesis contemporary Basque literature. June Literature 42: 4 (Winter 2008), 448–49. defenses of both Dr. Monica Dominguez 16–30, she gave a Ph.D.-level course at and Dr. Hernandez Abaitua. the University of the Basque Country on “Postmodernism and the Novel.” 7 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter New publications from the Basque Series

Sandra Ott’s book War, Judgment and Mem- Aurrera! A Textbook for Studying Basque, Speaking Through the Aspens: Basque Tree ory in the Basque Borderlands, 1914–1945 is Volume 1, by Linda White, is a beginning- Carvings in Nevada and California now available from the University of Nevada level text in the Basque language. The by J. Mallea-Olaetxe is now available in a Press. The work examines the impact of war Basque language is one of Europe’s most paperback edition. and occupation on four ancient, its origins as mysteri- Basque communities in the ous as those of the Basque Hikers in the mountains of the Far West have Basque Pyrenean province people themselves. It is also the long known about mysterious carvings found of Xiberoa. Using archival official language of Euskadi, on aspen trees but few have researched their documents and interviews the bustling, modern Basque intent or significance. Historian J. Mallea- with numerous Basque wit- Autonomous Region of Spain, Olaetxe has spent more than two decades nesses, the author recounts and the preferred tongue of tens recording and studying these arboglyphs, how these tightly knit com- of thousands of Basques and which were largely the work of Basque munities reacted to wars, their descendants living in the sheepherders. The carvings—names, dates, occupation, resistance, and European Basque Country and phrases in several languages, even human and denunciations, as well as in diaspora around the world. animal figures—provide a unique and impor - to the upheavals of libera- tant record of the lives of the solitary Basque tion. Often citing the candid Aurrera! is a comprehensive sheepherders. For the first time, these men, observations of Basques text for beginning-level stu- who contributed so much to the development who had direct experience dents who are learning Basque of the region, speak for themselves about with these events, she ana- (the batua or unified form ap- their experiences. lyzes how war and occupa- proved by the Acad- tion affected the Basques’ emy of the Basque Author Mallea-Olaetxe perceptions of themselves, outsiders, and the Language) in a classroom setting analyzes the content boundaries of their moral and social commu- or on their own. Each chapter intro- of thousands of arbo- nity. (ISBN: 978-0-87417-738-1; 288 pages; duces an element of grammar and glyphs in the mountains hardcover, $39.95) offers students written and spoken of Nevada and Califor- exercises, vocabulary, nia. In addition, he has Sandra Ott, a social anthro- dialogues, and other examined artifacts such pologist, is an associate activities, plus Basque as sheep camps and professor at the Center for reading texts that bread ovens, conducted Basque Studies. Dr. Ott’s will entertain while extensive interviews research interests include they illustrate the with former herders and Basque culture, Northern points of the chapter. sheep company person- Basques under Vichy and The complexities of nel, and undertaken German Occupation; trans- Basque grammar are research in immigration Pyrenean relations in Xi- explained in clear, and other records. The beroa, Béarn, Navarre, and easy-to-understand result is a highly origi- Aragon; and contemporary terms. nal work of history. En- French history and culture. hanced by 94 photographs and line drawings, She teaches two capstone Volume 1 covers material this book is essential reading for scholars and courses at the University of for the first two semesters of anyone interested in the Basque experience. Nevada, Reno: War, Oc- college-level classroom work, (Available August 2008; ISBN 978-087417- cupation and Memory; and and will give independent 762-6, 256 pages, paper, $29.95) Basque Culture. learners a sound foundation in the language to allow them to communicate J. Mallea-Olaetxe is an independent scholar Dr. Ott discussed her research in the Basque in Basque and to read basic Basque texts. at the Center for Basque Studies at the Uni- region at a book presentation and signing held (Available August 2008; ISBN 978-087417- versity of Nevada, Reno. at Sundance Bookstore in Reno on May 8. An 726-8, 456 pages, cloth, $65.00) additional presentation and book signing will take place on Sunday, October 19 at the San Linda White is emerita professor at the Ordering information: Francisco Basque Cultural Center in South University of Nevada, Reno, Center for To order University of Nevada Press San Francisco, California. The presentation Basque Studies, where she taught Basque for publications, please contact them at: will immediately follow the BCC members’ many years. She is the coauthor, with Gorka phone (Reno, NV, USA): 877.682.6657 lunch at approximately 3:30 pm in the up- Aulestia, of the Basque-English, English- online: www.unpress.nevada.edu stairs meeting room. For information, contact Basque Dictionary and the English-Basque the Basque Cultural Center at 650.583.8091. Dictionary, both published by the University of Nevada Press, and has translated numerous works from Basque and Spanish.

8 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Basque sheepherder From the exhibit at regional park Basque Library The Basque Library has seen several staff in Reno changes over the past year. After the depar- ture of Nere Erkiaga, who served as interim A Basque sheepherder camp has been recre- prominent minority in the region, the exhibit Basque Librarian for 2007–08, daily opera- ated in the Great Basin Adventure area of was felt to be an important addition to the tions were handled by Library Technician Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. park. May initiated the project and a commit- Shannon Sisco. In May, we were pleased to The display includes a traditional oven, along tee was established, with donations and assis- welcome Marimar Ubeda as the new Basque with a replica of a sheepherder’s camp with tance coming from many sources. a wagon and a vintage tent. Many Basques Librarian. She is from Zumarraga (Gipuz- koa), and obtained her master’s degree in came to the West from their homeland in the William Douglass, former director and Pro- library and information science from the Pyrenees mountains of northern Spain and fessor Emeritus of the Center, served on the University of Granada (Spain). She says that southern France to work as herders. planning committee along with Carmelo her work experience in several libraries has Urza, the director of the University Studies given her a well-rounded vision of the job. In Abroad Consortium. Douglass wrote the text her previous post, she served as director of for the interpretive signs that accompany the medical library of the Donostia-San Se- the exhibit to explain the Basque presence bastián Hospital. in the area and their contributions. Also on the committee were local Basques Janet Ms. Ubeda plans to continue to develop the Inda, Leroy Arrascada, Larry Landa, donor library collection with a focus on the Basque of the tent and artifacts, and Pete and Gloria diaspora, and to provide patrons with the Fundis, who donated the herder’s wagon. materials and assistance to carry out their The traditional bread oven came from Rob- research. Ms. Sisco also assists students and ert and Nanette Marshall’s ranch in nearby visiting scholars, and helps with collection Spanish Springs. Park personnel and Bill organization. Other staff include graduate stu- Ware also assisted with planning.

At the dedication on May 25, the Reno Basque oven, used primarily to bake Basque Club’s Dancers, led sheepherder’s bread. [photo by Megan Berner] by Kate Camino, performed and everyone enjoyed sheepherder’s bread that had been baked in the brick oven. Dixie May of the Wilbur May Foundation Board of Directors, which helped fund the Rancho San Rafael Park is also home to the project to showcase Basque culture, said that Monument to the Basque Sheepherder, a large the Great Basin Adventure is about the cul- sculpture created by Basque artist Nestor tures of the Great Basin. Since Basques are a Basterretxea and dedicated in 1989.

Irish journalist presents new Seminar held on 1936 Basque Library staff, from left, Esti Ezkerra, Gernika incident Shannon Sisco, and Marimar Ubeda. [photo publication by Megan Berner]

Irish journalist Paddy Woodworth gave a pre- The bombing of Gernika by the Nazis’ Le- dent Estibalitz Ezkerra, a part-time employee sentation on February 12 at the University of gion Condor in 1936 was the subject of a since July 2007, who has been organizing the Nevada, Reno on “Magic in the Landscape, seminar/discussion presented April 26, the slide archive which will soon be digitized. Blood on the Streets.” He discussed issues 71st Anniversary of the event. Basque histo- She is also recording the content of some of related to Basque and Spanish multiple iden- rian Dr. Xabier Irujo gave a brief explanation the family archives in the Basque Library’s tities and violence, and also read passages of this historical event and the later devel- collection—the Orella and de Basaldua fam- from his new book, The Basque Country: A opment of the Basque conflict, interpreted ily archives will be ready by fall. Cultural History (Oxford University Press, through the symbol of Gernika, followed by 2007) accompanied by images of the Basque a presentation by Dr. Joseba Zulaika. After- Graduate student workers Brandon and Hilda region. His book has been called “a marvel- wards, those present opened a discussion of Scutt have been instrumental in completing ous guide to the culture and landscape of one the theories and experiences of political con- the slide database project and the move to of the most intriguing places on Earth.” flict resolution, especially with relation to the the Knowledge Center. In addition, they have Basque conflict. served as the Library’s first line of contact Woodworth’s previous book, Dirty War, with visitors. Clean Hands (Cork University Press, 2001), is a study of terrorism and state terrorism in (continued on page 10) contemporary Spain. 9 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Udaleku 2008 tendance. The camp wasn’t just about work, Antique Basque however. The kids also toured a woolen mill, implement donated held in Buffalo the local museum and Basque exhibit, went swimming, played pala at the local YMCA, The Center for Basque Studies and the NABO’s annual Basque culture camp for bowled, and attended two rodeos. University Studies Abroad Consortium kids, called Udaleku, was held June 15–27 in each received the gift of an antique Basque Buffalo, Wyoming. Kate Camino directed the The highlight for many was the weekend out- farming implement called a laia, donated in camp and Lisa Corcostegui participated as an ing to the local youth camp in the Big Horn May by longtime friend of the Center, Ne- instructor teaching Basque culture and dance. Mountains. There, several local Basques kane Oiarbide of Donostia-San Sebastián. Three other instructors from the Basque shared their experiences as sheepherders, Country also contributed: Eneko Espino and showed the kids how to bake bread in Nekane has collaborated on several activi- teaching txistu; Jexux Larrea who taught the ground. Saturday night was dedicated to ties of the Center from the early days. After dance; and Joseba Etxarri who taught lan- song and dance and, for those who wished, completing a Fulbright program in Phila- guage. Elisa Etchemendy of Douglas, Wyo- spending the night in a sheepwagon. Sunday delphia in 1972, she came to the Basque ming, Marty Camino of Buffalo, and Marcel morning began with a walking tour through Studies Program to help with a project Gaztambide of Salt Lake City also helped the aspen groves to see carvings left behind on the Basque diaspora, despite a lack of as aides. Internal director of the camp was by herders. Jean Escoz led the tour and also Teresa (Escoz) Fieldgrove who coordinated explained life in a sheepwagon to the camp- all the meals and outings, and found hosting ers. Mike Rodriguez then brought a few head families for the students. of sheep to the camp and did a shearing dem- onstration and ended with docking (castrat- The camp was attended by 43 students aged ing) two lambs in the old tradition, using his 10–15 from six different states (California, teeth. The cooks then prepared the testicles Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, and Wyo- and the tails for the kids to try if they wished. ming), two from the Vancouver Basque club Sunday ended with mass celebrated by Fr. in Canada, and two from the Basque Coun- Ron Stolcis of Sheridan. try. The kids spent the two weeks learning about Basque culture, dance, language, txistu According to camp director, Kate Camino, (flute), and mus, a Basque card game. They the camp was a great success. “Really, I can’t also participated in other special projects express what a wonderful experience this according to their interests, such as advanced camp has been. I couldn’t have asked for bet- dance, photography, singing, txalaparta ter instructors, or participants, or coordination (Basque percussion instrument), skits, and and help on site, and being able to have it all yearbook. The children’s new skills were in my hometown of Buffalo was the icing on showcased at a final performance at Buffalo the cake.” High School with over 300 people in at- Joseba Zulaika holding a laia.

funds to cover housing costs. She was wel- comed into the home of University librari-  an Yoshi Hendricks, who cataloged Basque materials, and spent “seven unforgettable months” here. Nekane later assisted with fundraising in the Basque Country for the From the Basque Library, continued: Center saddened by Monument to the Basque Sheepherder death of Enrike Knörr project, working with Bob Laxalt and War- The Basque Library is accessible to the ren Lerude, and on a similar tribute in the Basque Country to the Basque herders of public, and remote users can contact them The Center for Basque Studies is deeply the Americas. by phone at 775.682.5590, letter, or e-mail: saddened by the passing of Professor Enrike [email protected], to obtain access to Knörr (University of the Basque Country, Ethnographer Fermín Leizaola of Donos- materials. The library is part of the Inter- Leioa). Professor Knörr was nominated to be tia-San Sebastián kindly provided informa- Library Loan system and has loaned books to the Center’s Douglass Distinguished Scholar tion on the laia, a tool used in the Basque people worldwide. for the year 2007–2008. He had accepted the region for centuries. It consists of a long, invitation and was eager to spend the year at two-pronged fork of forged iron attached to The library has also collaborated with au- the Center, but in the end declined to come a short wooden handle. Through about the thors, filmmakers, etc., by supplying photo- due to his medical condition. We hoped and 1930s it was common to see lines of people graphic, archival, or bibliographic support. expected that he would improve and eventu- breaking up the soil in the fields with these For example, this May, for the award-winning ally be able accept the same invitation for the tools, one in each hand, working back- National Public Radio production “The next year, but unfortunately he was unable wards across the field. Kitchen Sisters,” they helped make photos to come. The Center has enormously valued available for the program on “Basque Hidden his contributions and his friendship. We offer Many thanks—eskerrik asko—to Nekane Kitchens.” The text can be found online at our sincerest condolences to his family, col- Oiarbide for her thoughtfulness in donating www.npr.org under “Hidden Kitchens.” leagues, and friends. these implements. 10 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Study Abroad in the Basque Country

Where are YOU going? With more than 25 years of experience and roots in the Basque Country, you can be sure you have someone to turn to for quality study abroad programs. The University Studies Abroad Consortium sends over 2,500 students abroad each year on USAC programs. Students from over 700 universities worldwide have participated in these accredited academic programs. Enrollment is on the rise as more students recognize the importance and benefits of a study abroad experience. Don’t miss this opportunity—get your application in early!

Pau students explore the Basque countryside.

Pau, France San Sebastián, Spain French and European Studies Spanish, Basque, and European Studies Fall 2009: September–December Fall 2009: September–December Spring 2010: January–April Spring 2010: January–May Summer 2009: Session I (5 weeks), Session II (4 weeks) Summer 2009: Session I (5 weeks), Session II (4 weeks)

Courses offered: Intensive French language, literature, Courses offered: Intensive Spanish and Basque language, cul- culture, cuisine, history, art history, internship, government and ture, art history, dance, cuisine, communications, cinema, his- politics, photography, Paris field study, Camino de Santiago field tory, women’s studies, Madrid field study, Camino de Santiago study, and more. field study, and more. Field Trips: Paris, Pyrénées, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, French Field Trips: Madrid, Burgos, French and Spanish Basque and Spanish Basque Country. Country. Lodging: Homestays or university residence halls. Lodging: Homestays or apartments.

Bilbao/Getxo, Spain International Business, Spanish, and Cultural Studies Camino de Santiago Field Study Fall 2009: September–December Summer 2009 (1 credit) Spring 2010: January–May Offered in Pau, Alicante, Bilbao/Getxo, Madrid, and San Se- Summer 2009: Session I, Session II (both sessions are 3 weeks) bastián for students enrolled in Session II (available to students enrolled in both sessions in Bilbao). Students registered for Courses offered: Intensive Spanish language, international this option will first spend time in class studying the history business, economics, finance, marketing, Basque and Iberian and culture associated with this famous pilgrimage dating back studies, art history, culture, internship, dance, art, cuisine, to the . The second part of the course consists of political science, Madrid field study, Camino de Santiago field hiking the last segment of the pilgrimage (60 miles on foot), to study, and more. Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain. Breakfast, a picnic Field Trips: Madrid, Burgos, French and Spanish Basque lunch, and lodging are included in the additional fee of $800. Country. Lodging: Homestays or apartments.

University Studies Abroad Consortium University of Nevada, Reno / MS 0323 Reno, NV 89557-0323 Toll-free: 866.404.USAC Phone: 775.784.6569 Fax: 775.784.6010 Email: [email protected] Website: http://usac.unr.edu

USAC offers 39 programs in 25 countries: Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden and Thailand. 11 Center for Basque Studies Newsletter Center for Basque Studies Non-profit Org. University of Nevada, Reno/2322 U.S. Postage Reno, Nevada 89557-2322 PAID Reno, Nevada RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 26

Visit our web site at: http://basque.unr.edu

Conference Papers Series publication

Opportunity Structures in Diaspora Canefe; “Creolization and Diaspora: The Relations: Comparisons in Contemporary Cultural Politics of Divergence and (Some) Multilevel Politics of Diaspora and Convergence,” by Robin Cohen; “In Search Transnational Identity, edited and with of the Basque American Diaspora,” by an introduction by Gloria Totoricagüena, William A. Douglass; “Diasporic Politics in consists of papers from the April 2006 the European Union: Paris’s City Hall and the international symposium on diaspora politics Jewish Quarter,” by Michel S. Laguerre; of the same name. The conference was “Democracy, Pluralism, and Diaspora sponsored by the Center for Basque Studies Identity: An Ambiguous Relationship,” by of the University of Nevada, Reno. World- William Safran; “The Diaspora Phenomenon renowned experts present their research on in the Twenty-First Century: Ideational, such topics as the main characteristics and Organizational, and Behavioral Challenges,” organizational structures of contemporary by Gabriel Sheffer; “Stateless Power and the ethno-national diasporas, and how their Political Agency of Diasporas: An Armenian relationships with their homeland and Case Study,” by Khachig Tölölyan; and host-society governments might develop; “The Political Agency of Ethnic Diasporas: communal strategies and tactics used by Paradiplomacy and the Construction of diasporas, and how effective they are at Political Communities in the World System,” influencing the foreign policy of central by Gloria Totoricagüena. governments; opportunity structures for diasporas in the post-modern and trans-state Papers included in the anthology are Ordering information: social, economic, and political systems; and “Multilayered Politics in the African To order Center for Basque Studies and ways diaspora activities, and ethno-national Diaspora: The Metadiaspora Concept and University of Nevada Press materials, please identity maintenance in general, influence Minidiaspora Realities,” by Kim D. Butler; contact the University of Nevada Press: social and political security issues both “The Making of ‘Modern’ Diasporas: The Phone (Reno, NV, USA): 877.682.6657 domestically and in foreign policy. Case of Muslims in Canada,” by Nergis Online: www.unpress.nevada.edu.

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