This second part of the study published in Cuadernos de Etnología y Etnografía de Navarra explores the Navarrese migration to the United States during the second half of the twentieth century through the voices of those who lived it. Based on in-depth oral interviews conducted in Navarre and in several U.S. states, the article adopts an ethnological and anthropological perspective that places personal experience at the center of historical analysis.
The testimonies reveal the complexity of migration processes: labor conditions, community networks, language use, identity construction, women’s roles, and the meaning of return. Special attention is paid to the use of Basque in migratory contexts, highlighting its role as a language of memory and belonging within multilingual environments.
More than a historical account, this research contributes to preserving an intangible cultural heritage and offers valuable material for education and public reflection. It underscores the importance of listening to lived experiences in order to better understand migration as a key element of Navarre’s recent social and cultural history.
