Cornwall Council Seeks Protection for Cornish Language: Calls for Government Action

In a significant push for cultural preservation, Cornwall Council has demanded enhanced governmental recognition and protection for the Cornish language, aligning it with other Celtic languages such as Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Welsh.

This appeal marks the 10th anniversary of Cornish being acknowledged as a national minority.

A Decade of Recognition

Ten years ago, the Cornish community celebrated a major milestone when it was officially recognised as a national minority under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. This recognition was an important step in acknowledging the unique culture and identity of the Cornish people. Despite this progress, their native language, Kernewek, still lacks the comprehensive protections afforded to other Celtic languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The Call for Enhanced Language Rights

Currently, Kernewek enjoys the basic protections under Part II of the European Charter, which the UK Government acknowledged over two decades ago. However, unlike its Celtic counterparts, it has not been included under the more robust Part III, which offers extensive rights and supports necessary for the language’s development and survival.

The leaders of Cornwall Council, representing all 87 council members, have unified their voices in a letter to the government. They urge the extension of Part III protections to Kernewek, particularly on such a symbolic day. The letter reads, “With the 10th anniversary of the Cornish being recognised as a national minority being celebrated today, we believe it would be an appropriate and timely decision for the UK Government to give notification to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe that sufficient progress has been made to apply Part III of the Charter to the Cornish language.”

Revival and Cultural Identity

The call for greater protections comes amidst a resurgence of interest in the Cornish language. Linda, the Leader at Cornwall Council, highlights the cultural significance of Kernewek, noting its vital role in maintaining the region’s heritage. Recent educational initiatives like Go Cornish for Primary Schools have introduced over 8,000 children to the language, and hundreds of adults are also engaging with Kernewek through language courses.

A Community’s Hope

As Cornwall celebrates this decade of recognition, the community remains hopeful that the government will respond positively to their call, ensuring that Kernewek receives equal treatment and continues to flourish for generations to come. The council’s initiative reflects a broader desire to see the Cornish language survive and thrive, reinforcing a distinct Cornish identity within the UK and Europe.