CORNISH LANGUAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Cornish Language refers to the native language of Cornwall, a region located in southwest England, United Kingdom. It is a Celtic language belonging to the Brythonic branch, which also includes Welsh and Breton. Historically, Cornish was spoken by the Cornish people and was used as a common language throughout Cornwall until the late 18th century when it experienced a decline. The linguistic isolation of Cornwall from other Celtic-speaking areas, as well as the influence of English, resulted in the reduction of Cornish speakers.
However, there has been a revival of interest in the Cornish language since the early 20th century, driven by a growing sense of Cornish identity and cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to revive and preserve the language, and today, there is a small but dedicated community of Cornish speakers.
Cornish is characterized by its unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. It shares some similarities with other Celtic languages, particularly Welsh and Breton, but also exhibits distinct local variations. Various resources, including books, online courses, and language communities, support learning and preserving Cornish. The Cornish Language Partnership, a collaboration between various organizations and individuals, plays a significant role in promoting, teaching, and developing the language.
Etymology of CORNISH LANGUAGE
The term "Cornish language" refers to the language spoken in Cornwall, a county in southwestern England. The word "Cornish" itself derives from the Middle English word "Cornish" or "Cornu-Welsh", which means "the Welsh language of Cornwall". The Old English word "Cornwealas" was used to refer to the people of Cornwall, and this term evolved into "Cornish" over time. Overall, the etymology of the term "Cornish language" reflects its historical connection to the Celtic language spoken in Cornwall.
