CornwallLive readers have been debating the significance of learning Kernewek, Cornwall's official language, and its importance to Cornish identity and heritage. Read what they think in our comments section.
Kernewek, also known as Cornish, was acknowledged by the UK Government in 2002 under the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. This recognition grants the Cornish people's native tongue equal status with Scottish, Welsh, and Irish, ensuring their right to express, preserve, share and cultivate their unique culture and identity.
The Cornish language boasts a heritage stretching back over 4,000 years, yet it was considered nearly extinct by the 18th century. Dolly Pentreath, a "fishwife" from Mousehole, was often regarded as the final native speaker of Cornish, with the language virtually vanishing following her death in 1777.
Read Next: We tried the new A30 and there's a big problem with the layout
Read Next: Heartbreak as 'the one true Kernow king' dies, aged 28
Kowethas an Yeth (The Cornish Language Fellowship) organizes weekly conversation groups called Yeth an Werin for Cornish speakers throughout Cornwall. They also encourage and support the use of the language via various events year-round, including the annual Speak Cornish Week, running this year from June 22 to June 30.
Furthermore, over 6,000 students across 40 schools in Cornwall are now learning Cornish through the Go Cornish scheme, an educational initiative that delivers Cornish language programs to primary schools.
Pussinbootz is not convinced: “The fact the language has such low membership speaks volumes what a waste of money this is. Okay if a few wish to learn for nostalgic reasons, sure. It's a waste of time in 2024.”
Get the best stories and latest news delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you want here.
Northcoastpirate agrees: “Why should the council tax payers have to fund the few that might learn Cornish, and the fewer that might speak it after leaving school? And what about the thousands already spent on dual language street signs that no one ever uses?”
Cornwall Amigo replies: “Agree that dual language street signs and bizarre housing estate names are just pandering to very few at great expense. I particularly like the changing Cornish dialect 'parc' to 'park' in the Cornish underneath. Of course it's a living language, with someone making up all the modern things. Though language roots are interesting - I wonder did it have a written form before the Romans came amongst us?"
Redrichnond is unhappy: “The schools are struggling with kids who can't even speak and read English properly. The amount of money the council is wasting on this nonsense is crazy. Spend money on buying land and building houses for local people.”
Bronnek replies: “Bilingualism improves children's educational capabilities. That's why parents are falling over themselves trying to get their kids into Welsh medium education in Wales. Perhaps a Cornish language course would improve your own linguistic ability. Exactly how much money do you think the Cornish language gets? Believe you me it wouldn't buy much land the way prices are in Cornwall.”
Trepol thinks: “What a good article. I am Cornish and speak Kernewek. It is great to see the uptake in learning Kernewek and the greater interest in Cornish identity and culture. It is a shame that there has to be so many anti comments from the usual voices but thankfully they are just a tiny minority.”
Join CornwallLive's WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
CornwallLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send the latest breaking news and biggest stories of the day straight to your phone.
To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the CornwallLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Over on Facebook commenter Jay Sparrow asks: “What would be the point when we all speak English and have for many years? Although it'd be interesting to learn a new language that is actually useful in today's age i.e. Spanish or Italian…..”
Sam Stutt agrees: “Same as learning Latin, unless you're getting a masters in history or language it's pretty much a useless skill, let it die.”
Gareth Higgins replies: “ I live in north Wales and didn't realise how important the native language was until I moved there 20 years ago. Its teaching is compulsory in schools. It's part of their identity, culture and heritage. Most speak English and a lot of the money is English. The language is theirs. Same I'd imagine for the Cornish.”
Chris James Sweet agrees: “This is our native tongue the English tried to wipe out. It’s worth it for the Cornish to retain it as it is our heritage and culture. That’s the point.” Graeme Plunkett points out: “It’s a commitment the UK government signed up to when the Cornish were granted National Minority status. It’s the same as any other language on these islands of which there are many, not just English.”
Simon Fletcher believes: “This is not credible. Cornish is a complex, highly inflected language, with consonantal mutation, and most people are simply not linguistically adept enough to learn it (it's different if you grew up speaking it as your main language, but these days nobody did).”
Jacqueline Chapman has the final word: “Well I think that’s great, should be taught in schools at a young age. I wish I had the opportunity when I was young.”
Do you feel the Cornish language deserves to be promoted? How do you feel about it being taught in schools? Have your say in our comments section.
