New branding for the language

There is a new logo for the Cornish Language. The Partnership has chosen the word 'maga' (to grow, nurture, develop). It will be used to show what language groups whant to achieve for the ancient Celtic tongue. The logo itself was designed by 'Gendall Design'.

Conference at Tremough makes steps towards one spelling system

A highly successful conference on the Cornish Language has taken a major step forward in working towards agreement on a single form of spelling which could see the language more widely used in everyday life.

More than hundred people attended the conference, held at Tremough last weekend – the second to be held since the recognition of Cornish by the UK Government in 2002.

This conference concentrated on the differing spelling systems which exist in Cornish and was the starting point for a process which will establish a single form for use in education and public life. Many languages have had similar difficulties to overcome and the Cornish Language Partnership will be learning from those who have already faced this situation and resolved it. A professional commission will be set up which will carry out extensive consultation with language users and others with an interest in the language.

The morning session was chaired by Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, who expressed his support for the language and the potential opportunities for children and adults to learn in the future. “The Cornish language is one of the richest elements of the culture and lifestyle of Cornwall “ he said. “I would love for my son and his generation to have the opportunity to learn it in school”.

The afternoon session was chaired by County Councillor Eric Brooke, Chair of the Cornish Language Partnership. “This is the first step towards a single written form of Cornish for use in education and public life “ he said. “This is a hugely encouraging step for the Cornish Language movement”.

Conference delegates also heard Rod Lyon, Dr Ken George, Prof. Nicholas Williams and Dr Bernard Deacon explain the different systems and the historical background and were then challenged by Dr Laurence Rule to think about the future and what need to be done.

The afternoon saw discussion on the way forward, including an outline of how the work will be undertaken. The conference ended on a note of optimism and agreement to work together for the future.

Interest in Cornish has grown apace and the language is now set to move forwards on all fronts.

A Strategy to help develop the Cornish Language was officially published in April 2005 following extensive consultation with Cornish language groups, individual Cornish speakers, local councils and members of the public.

This followed the Government’s recognition of Cornish under Part 2 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in November 2002. The aim of the Charter is to protect historical or minority languages from extinction and promote their role in encouraging diversity and this recognition marked the end of a seven year campaign by Cornish language groups.

The Commission for Culture and Education of the European Parliament will examine the draft report on multilinguism and the protection of minority languages on the 9th October. It is important to send them the maximum number of lettres and mails. To make that easier you'll find their e-mail addresses below and a model letter.

Madame la députée, Monsieur le député,
Le 9 octobre prochain, le rapport intitulé « Un
nouveau cadre stratégique pour le multilinguisme »
sera soumis à l’approbation de la Commission «
Culture et Education » du Parlement européen. Ce
rapport a pour objectif d’apporter un statut
protecteur aux langues régionales et minoritaires.
Locuteur d’une langue régionale( le cornique ),
je viens vous demander d'appuyer ce rapport de tout
votre poids pour qu'il soit adopté.
Je vous remercie par avance de votre action en faveur
du patrimoine culturel européen.


Dear MEP,
On the 9th of October, the draft report on the new "Framework Strategy for Multilinguism" will be considered by the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education. This report aims at protecting the regional and minority languages. As I speak a regional language (Cornish), I ask you to support strongly this report so that it may be adopted. I thank you in advance for supporting Europe's cultural heritage.

E-mail : contact@r-p-s.info Tel : 06.13.52.05.48 Website : www.r-p-s.info

Tremough Campus, University College Falmouth
Saturday September 30th 2006, 10am 5pm

This conference is the first step in a process which it is hoped will lead towards an agreement on a single written form of Cornish for use in schools and in public life. It will provide an overview of the background to the current debate, an insight into the issues and act as a starting point for the discussion.

Format of the day.

Morning
The morning session will be given over to a series of speakers who will explain the philosophy and rationale on which each form of the language in current use is based. The final speaker will pose some fundamental questions about why we are doing this and what the implications are. The process itself will also be explained briefly.

Afternoon
Following a buffet lunch, the conference will divide into smaller working groups. The day will finish with a plenary session informed by the group discussions.

How to book
Send to Jenifer Lowe for a registration form and a full conference programme will be sent with the confirmation of your booking. Work groups will be allocated on a random basis on the day.

Places should be booked by 25th September latest to allow the catering and room bookings to be confirmed. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. You will receive confirmation, directions to the venue and a final programme on receipt of your booking.

There is no charge for this conference, but space is limited. For that reason, if after booking you find that you cannot come, it would be appreciated if you would let us know, as we may be able to re-allocate the place if the conference is over-subscribed.

Jenefer Lowe, Cornish Language Development Manager,
Dalvenie House,
County Hall,
Truro, TR1 2AY

Or by email to: cornishlanguage@cornwall.gov.uk

Gwenenen is the second female Grand Bard

Vanessa Beeman (Gwenenen) has been crowned the new Grand Bard of Cornwall at the Cornish Gorseth in Redruth. She became a bard through the language along with her father Dr Kaspar Hocking.

Gwenenen is the second woman to hold the honoured position at the head of the Gorseth. Anne Jenkin (Bryallen) was the first, and was a great ambassador overseas and at home for the culture.

We wish Gwenenen every good fortune for her term of office.

The Annual Conference of the International Celtic Congress was held in the Breton town of Carhaix this year and nearly 30 members of the Cornish Branch (An Cuntelles Keltek - Kernow) travelled to the charming town and conference centre for a week long celebration of Celtic music, dance, art, language, poetry and culture. Hundreds of other delegates joined the Cornish from Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland, Wales and Brittany itself.

An official welcome by the Mayor of Carhaix, Mr. Christian Troadec who, together with other Breton Councillors, spoke of the significance of the week commenced a programme of presentations touching on this year’s conference theme of ‘The Celtic Influence on the Visual Arts’.

Cornwall’s speaker at the event was Alison Bevan, Director of the Penlee House Gallery and Museum in Penzance who was warmly received by all present and who gave an illustrated presentation on the Newlyn School of Artists. This year, Cornwall’s guest performer was Camborne’s Hazel Curnow who sang traditional and more upbeat songs in both the English and Cornish languages and who received rapturous applause at the International Concert. This ended with a spectacular display of Breton costumed dancing where all the performers and many members of the audience joined in.

The International Annual General Meeting after the weeklong activities saw Denise Chubb of Portreath elected as International President. Ann Trevennen Jenkin, past Grand Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd, poet and Honorary Life President of the Cornish Branch presented Mrs. Chubb with the Chain of Office which was donated to the International Celtic Congress by Ann Trevenen Jenkin.

Subsequent resolutions adopted by Congress touched upon the necessity to allow the flag of St. Piran of the Tinners of Cornwall to be flown without hindrance in the Duchy and called upon the British Government to comply with article 7 1b of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and to respect the geographical area of a minority language, notably Cornish.

The International Celtic Congress for 2007 will be held in the Combined Universities in Cornwall Campus at Tremough, Penryn from the 23rd to the 28th July, 2007 with the theme ‘The contribution to the world of arts, science & industry by the Celtic Diaspora’

Those interested in becoming members of the Cornish Branch of this International organisation may contact the Secretary, Tony Piper on 01209 711509 and full details of the Celtic Congress are held in all public libraries in Cornwall.