Cornish Language
The Cornish language (Kernewek) dates back to pre-Roman times and the celtic races that inhabited this part of Europe. The Cornish language faded out towards the end of the 18th century but several Celtic languages still survive and Cornish has udergone a revival over the past 100 years. Cornish is perhaps most closely related to Welsh and Breton, which have provided many clues to help reserruct the language.
As Britain was successively colonised by various invaders the Celts were pushed to the fringes - westwards into Wales and Cornwall. This move westward never really ceased and throught the Middle Ages Cornish was pushed further and further west. Between 1400 and the mid 1500s the Cornish language had retreated from being universal to ony being spoken west of Tintagel / Looe.
Things really came to a head in 1549 with the Prayerbook Rebellion which was sparked by the Anglican clergy's dissaproval of much of the Cornish way and the fact that Cornwall was largely Catholic at the time. The uprising that ended in several large confrontations involving thousands of men across the West Country resulted in defeat for the Cornish and from here on the language's demise accelerated.
By the 18th century Cornish was mainly the preserve or fishermen and much of the herritage that went with it had vanished. It is said that Dolly Pentreath of Mousehole was the last person to speak Cornish as their first language. She died in 1777 and with her the Cornish language
Below are some Cornish phrases and common words
Greetings etcHello - Dydh da What's your name? - Pyth yw dha hanow? Colourswhite - gwynn Animals
Placesbeach - treth |
Numbers1 - onan Days & MonthsMonday - Dy' Lun January - mis Genver Summer - Hav Food & Drinkapple - aval |
Cornwall info
Related articles
- Cornwall Myths, Legends and Folklore
- Robert Morton Nance - Cornish language revivalist
- Michael Joseph An Gof
- The Cornish Diaspora
- Henry Jenner - Cornish language revivalist
- Jonathan Couch - Scientist and Natural Historian
- The Cornish Cream Tea
- The Cornish Pasty
- Cornish Place Names
- Cornish Yarg Cheese
- Cornwall history - Cornish men and women, Past and present
- Newlyn School of Painters - Art
- Thomas Flamank - Leader of the Cornish Rebellion of 1497
7°C 
