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With all of the Celtic languages listed in UNESCO's Atlas on Endangered Languages, it is interesting to see a snap shot now and again of some of the positive linguistic developments that are taking place within each respective Celtic nation.
It is not possible to place any of these developments in order of importance, because for each respective Celtic language community these efforts should be set within the context of where each language is at in their revival. So a book publication in Cornish could be just as important in Cornwall as securing primary legislative powers by the Welsh Government over Welsh in Wales. Many of these efforts go unnoticed outside of the language community and countries of which they are part, not because they are not important, but because they don't get the level of publicity they so rightly deserve.
Occasionally it is worthwhile to take stock of what is being achieved and worked on, so that we can be inspired and proud of our efforts in helping to return the Celtic languages to the heart of the community, where they all belong.
The list below highlights some of the developments that have taken place over the last month.
Alba/Scotland
Gaelic Language Plan Consultation
The Scottish Government is currently engaged in a consultation process of its draft issue of the Gaelic Language Plan. The Government is seeking contributory comments from individuals and groups on the plan. For further details see:
Gaelic language social networking and information
A new website has been launched that aims to provide useful information and links about the Gaelic language, culture, tourism, events, learning and a whole host of other topics related to Gaelic. The site was launched at the end of January. For further details see:
Breizh/Brittany
New school
It has been announced that a new DIWAN Breton language school will open up in Port-Louis, near Lorient later this year. Two years ago DIWAN was experiencing a financial crisis, so it is good to see that new schools are still opening.
In 2003-2004, 2761 pupils attended Diwan schools throughout Brittany at all levels from preschool to the Baccalaureate. The network included 35 primary-level schools at the start of the 2007 academic year.
Cymru/Wales
Equality for Welsh language
On February 2nd 2009, the Welsh Assembly Government published the Welsh Language Legislative Competence Order (LCO). The order's aim is to transfer the power to legislate over the Welsh Language from Westminster to Wales. With this order we aim to achieve 3 main objectives:
1. Confirm official status for both Welsh and English.
2. Ensure Linguistic rights to Welsh speakers whilst receiving services.
3. Establishment of the post of Language Commissioner to protect these rights.
The House of Commons Welsh Affairs Select Committee is taking evidence on the proposed LCO and the consultation period closes on the 4th March 2009. You can submit evidence via email via welshcom [at] ..., or by post to Welsh Affairs Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Also the National Assembly's Legislation Committee on the proposed Welsh Language Legislative Competence Order is also taking evidence. The consultation period for this closes on the 20th March 2009. You can submit evidence by email: legislationoffice [at] ..., or by post: Legislation Committee No. 5, Legislation Office, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1NA.
Èire/Ireland
Speech
President of Plaid Cymru, Davydd Iwan, spoke out about his support for an Irish Language Act in the North of Ireland in a speech to Irish language activists at An Chultúrlann in Belfast on the 10th February. Iwan urged all political parties in the North to support a language act, arguing that "it is much better to embrace the language and to use it as a political tool to unite people". Iwan added:
"My message to politicians here is to look at the Welsh model and see its benefits," said Dafydd.
"The Irish language should be something that unites, not divides. It is everyone's common heritage.
"It's not like colour or religion. It is something that can be learned, a skill that can be acquired."
"Welsh politicians who are London-orientated saw the language as a threat.
"Thankfully, politicians now see the advantages of embracing the language and its many benefits.
"Hopefully that will happen here and you will have your own Irish Language Act."
At the Pobal sponsored An Chultúrlann, Neasa Ni Chinnéide, President of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages also spoke. The Chief Executive of Pobal, Janet Muller said: "This discussion gave us the chance to learn about the experiences and ideas in this regard from experts throughout these islands."
Kernow/Cornwall
Film
The first bilingual Cornish/English film can be viewed on a Breton language website until 28th February 2009. `An Jowl yn agas kegin' - The Devil in the kitchen, is a short comical film made by Cornish film maker Brett Harvey. It has been shown on cinema screens in Cornwall and also made the official selection of the Celtic Media Mestival in 2008. The film can be viewed with Breton/French subtitles. For further details see:
Books
A number of new books have been published in Kernewek for learners and fluent readers alike.
`Steren an Kolyn Kernow' by Ann Trevenen Jenkin, is a bilingual Cornish/English book for children, which was published in January 2009. Also, `Adro dhe'n Bÿs in Peswar Ugans Dëdh' (Around the World in Eighty Days) by Jules Verne and translated by Kaspar Hocking and Alys in Pow an Anethow (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) by Lewis Carroll and translated by Nicholas Williams were published in February. For further information see:
Mannin/Isle of Man
Book
The first modern comprehensive handbook on Manx Gaelic has been produced by a language expert at the University of Liverpool. Jennifer Kewley Draskau, a researcher at the University's Centre for Manx Studies, used texts dating back to the 15th century, informal conversations between fluent speakers on Mannin, the 18th century Manx Bible and modern poetry to produce the book, titled Practical Manx, which is a guide to the grammar and morphology of the language.
Jennifer Kewley Draskau said:
"This new handbook will provide a measure of stability and consolidation for the language, harmonising elements from different time periods and modes of usage, as well as increasing confidence in the Manx speaking community."
(This update on recent developments in relation to the Celtic languages has been prepared by Rhisiart Tal-e-bot Celtic League General Secretary).
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 25/02/09
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