University of Missouri studies Basque oral poetry

North American University of Missouri has published a monographic about bertsolaritza -the improvised contest poetry from Basque oral tradition- in the last edition of Journal of Oral Tradition, a magazine specialized on oral literature of different countries.

Published in English, the special edition of Journal of Oral Tradition includes studies and interviews with prominent bertsolaris, such as Andoni Egaña or Joxerra Garzia, according to Euskalkultura.

The publication starts with an article of John Miles Foley, a teacher at the Center for Studies in Oral Tradition, in which he tells about his experience at the national championship of bertsolaritza, celebrated in Barakaldo in 2005.

Moreover, two researchers, Alfredo Retortillo and Xabier Aierdi have added a sociological study about this art and bertso-schools are studied by Ainhoa Agirreazaldegi and Arkaitz Goikoetxea.

Joxerra Garzia studies the history of bertsolaritza and its presence at schools programs, and the bertsolari Andoni Egaña explains the improvisation process.

After, three interviews with prominent bertsolaris such as Joxe Agirre Esnal, Andoni Egaña himsel and Maialen are included.