“Witches” and Wily Women

The Basque language (Euskara) is unrelated to any other language spoken today. In Euskara, the use of pronouns plays a powerful, crucial role as it relates to gender, societal, and cultural identity. 

This book offers a fascinating and insightful exploration of Euskara, as it relates to culture and gender. Begona Echeverria provides an in-depth look at the historical use and evolving marginalization of “noka” (a familiar form of address historically used in speaking to a girl or woman in whom one had konfiantza or trust) in Euskara, and its impact on Basque society and gender as seen through historical, religious, cultural, and folkloric lenses. 

Side note: Echeverria is a member of “NOKA”, a Basque-American singing trio, who promote women through songs using “noka”.