Cornish language

File:WIKITONGUES- Elizabeth speaking Cornish.webm

Cornish language shift

Vocabularium Cornicum BL MS Cotton Vespasian A xiv 7r

Origo Mundi kynsa gwersow

Beunans Meriasek (The life of St Meriasek) (f.56v.) Middle Cornish Saint's Play

Lether Bodinar

Cornish language (Kernewek or Kernowek in Cornish) is a Celtic language of the Southwestern Brythonic group, closely related to Breton and Welsh. It is native to Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England. Historically spoken by the Cornish people, the language experienced a decline and was considered extinct as a first language in the late 18th century. However, a revival movement in the 20th century has led to a resurgence in interest and speakers, making it a subject of linguistic and cultural preservation.

History

The Cornish language developed from the Southwestern Brythonic dialects spoken in Cornwall and parts of Devon in the early Middle Ages. It shares many similarities with its closest relatives, Welsh and Breton, due to their common Brythonic roots. The language's history is often divided into three stages: Old Cornish (up to the 14th century), Middle Cornish (14th to 17th centuries), and Late Cornish (17th century to the 19th century).

During the Middle Cornish period, the language flourished, and a significant body of literature, including religious plays known as Cornish mystery plays, was produced. However, from the 16th century onwards, the language began to decline. This was due to socio-political changes, including the Tudor conquest of Cornwall and the introduction of the English language in legal and administrative contexts. By the 18th century, the number of fluent speakers had dwindled significantly, leading many to consider the language extinct by the end of the 19th century.

Revival

The revival of the Cornish language began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by enthusiasts and scholars such as Henry Jenner, who published "A Handbook of the Cornish Language" in 1904. This period saw the standardization of Cornish, based on the Middle Cornish period, and the establishment of Cornish language classes and cultural activities. The revival efforts were further bolstered by the creation of Kernowek Standard, a standardized written form developed in the early 21st century, which aimed to unify the various orthographic systems used by learners and speakers.

Today, the Cornish language is taught in some schools in Cornwall and at evening classes, with support from the Cornish Language Partnership and other organizations. It is also used in some religious and ceremonial contexts, as well as in signage, literature, and media.

Status

In 2002, the UK government recognized Cornish under Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, giving it a certain level of protection and promotion. The language's revival has seen an increase in the number of speakers, with estimates ranging from a few hundred fluent speakers to several thousand people with some knowledge of the language.

Culture and Media

The Cornish language plays a significant role in Cornwall's cultural identity, featuring in music, literature, and media. Annual events such as Cornwall's Saint Piran's Day parade celebrate Cornish heritage and language, while the language has also seen use in modern technologies, including mobile apps and social media, to reach a wider audience.

Conclusion

The Cornish language's journey from near extinction to revival demonstrates the resilience of cultural identity and the importance of language preservation. While challenges remain in increasing the number of fluent speakers and further integrating the language into daily life in Cornwall, the ongoing efforts of the Cornish language community continue to ensure its survival and growth.