The languages of San Sebastian throughout history

Based on the analysis carried out by Mikel Zalbide

What language was used in San Sebastian in past centuries: Basque or Spanish? Were there any others? When was Basque spoken? When was Spanish spoken? Were these languages used verbally or were they written? Where and in what spheres was one language or another used? Who would be addressed when these languages were used?

There are so many questions. In turn, the answers we can give are weak and modest, and in some cases even dubious.

We don't have absolute answers. However, thanks to Mikel Zalbide's efforts, we have grouped together various explanations.

Note: while completing this work, linguistic practices have handled a certain social dimension, leaving isolated, exceptional events aside. In this sense, it can be said that six languages have left their mark on the social and historical aspects of San Sebastian. To note them quickly, they would be Latin, Gascon, Basque, Spanish, French and, most likely Low German of the Easterling-Hanseatic people. Some of these languages played a prominent role with enormous repercussions, while others left a mark that was more subtle -and brief-.