Based on the history of Basque literature from the 16th century to the present, the correlation between Spanish literature and Basque literature has been analyzed. The scope of the study was limited to the Basque region of Spain, excluding that of France, and only works in the Basque language, not Spanish, were covered. As a result of analyzing various topics, the following conclusions could be reached.
First, it is true that Basque literature shows some exceptions in its literary development trajectory compared to Catalonian or Galician literature. For example, the absolute number of literary works is insufficient, the new literary trend of the surroundings did not flow into Basque quickly, and there are not many works with excellent literary perfection.
Second, the history of Basque literature includes a considerable portion of oral literature, religious literature, or Basque grammar books and dictionaries, especially during the period of classical literature. Although there was a delay in the 16th and 17th centuries, which correspond to Spain’s literary golden centuries, Basque literature had a similar development to that of Spain as can be seen in Oihenart’s poetry and Axular’s ascetic literature. Basque literature was influenced by Spain’s realist novels and the poetry of the Generation of 27 in the 20th century, after a short break in the 18th and 19th centuries. And since the 1960s, it has been actively exchanging with surrounding literature, showing a development almost similar to the flow of world literature.
Third, Basque literature accepts many parts of Spanish literature in terms of expression or style, but from an internal point of view, rejection of modern civilization, protection of traditional culture and values, love and admiration for the Basque language, and the religious belief of Catholicism are inherent in Basque literature.
Finally, in the translation of Basque works into other languages, the fact that Spanish occupies the highest percentage as the target language of translation is evidence that the Spanish literary system is the main recipient of Basque literature, and it is also a filter of Basque literary production. In addition, in many cases when translating literary works written in the Basque language, the author directly translates into Castilian without going through a third party.