Actual examples of the Egin ‘s depiction of overwhelming odds threatening Basque Heritage’s survival, and the opinion that language policy has been lacking or unsuccessful is found on January 28th 1997, when Egin ran an article stating "Basque takes steps back after Elementary school", "Model D continuity not assured". The article cited the perspectives of the two main Basque teachers association upon reviewing the new division of schools per area. Again stressing the lack of continuity in Education in the Basque language, Egin reported on December 2nd of the same year how the government of Navarre had designated only a meager 0.34% of their budget to Basque language policy. Egin’s public opinion is also evident by its consistent reporting of various groups holding rallies and manifestations demanding the development of a cohesive language plan aimed at normalizing Basque language use.
(I have to dig them out again take some Allegra-D and get more examples here)
El Diario Vasco will describe the different initiatives put in place to promote the adoption and protection of Basque language, and will provide statistics to show it is having a positive effect. El Mundo will leave us wondering if there is any policy at all or what the exact policy is surmising it exists because of the occasional discrimination lawsuit.
As daily ritual, buying a newspaper reaffirms the distinct membership in each group. It is just as difficult to imagine Joxe Mari reading Egin or El Mundo as it is to envision Maria Teresa picking up Egin. If ever they are fresh out of Egin, Miguel will borrow someone else’s copy. El Diario Vasco might have a broad enough appeal to satisfy Maria Teresa or Miguel if the situation was forced upon them. But in general terms, it is safe to say that the majority of the population reads the newspaper daily and their choice of newspaper is not haphazard but a matter of choice, a daily ritual that is part of the daily affirmation of one’s identity as a resident of the Basque Country. As I explore public opinion, I stop to analyze the image of education and language policy crafted in the media. I have analyzed the local newspapers’ content, use of words, structure and appearance to establish when possible the tinted glass through which the news is presented, the world view upheld by the news reports.
click on graph to see larger image
The graph above maps out the three tendencies in external public opinion and suggests how dramatically different worldviews are reinforced by the media in Oarsoaldea. As we consider the privately expressed opinions we question whether the worldviews neatly divided above will hold or become a backdrop for increasingly fragmented opinions.