How did the language become Basque?

Answer 1

It is through cultural, economic, geographical and political factors that the language became Basque.

Specifically, Basque language-speakers belong to a self-preserving culture; if it were not so, the language would not have survived the area's politics and wars. They also enjoy an economic system which guarantees survival since it is focused upon maritime and terrestrial activities through its emphasis upon agriculture, herding, and sea-related enterprises. Geography generally lets the Basque people since they are inhabitants of hilly and mountainous lands (as well as of more vulnerable coasts). The Basque people tend to be politically committed to whatever unites them.

Perhaps the most important factor is the cultural. Throughout time, the Basque language is resilient enough to incorporate loan words from other languages (most recently, English, French and Spanish). But it is strong enough to keep the integrity of its structure and vocabulary intact. That is where "ordinary" people using Basque in everyday life and scholars investigating, protecting and refining the language meet. That is why Basque still exists as a spoken language of southwestern Europe and in states in the USA, regions in Australia, and countries in Latin America.