🌿 Cornish Language and Heritage (Education and Recognition)

Commons Chamber

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Anna Gelderd passionately introduced a Bill to enhance the teaching and promotion of the Cornish language in schools and to increase its recognition in public life. She highlighted the historical significance of Cornish, its current educational initiatives like Go Cornish, and the need for it to be integrated into higher education and media. Gelderd emphasized the cultural and economic benefits of supporting Cornish, drawing parallels with successful bilingual programs in Wales and Scotland. The Bill aims to align with European recommendations to support minority languages, ensuring Cornish thrives for future generations.

Summary

  • Motion for a Bill: Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, proposed a Bill aimed at promoting the Cornish language (Kernewek) and heritage in educational institutions and enhancing its recognition.

  • Historical Context: The Cornish language has been spoken for over 4,000 years. Recognized by the UK Government in 2002 under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, it is one of the Celtic languages.

  • Current Status: Unlike other Celtic languages, Cornish only has part 2 status under the charter, which offers weaker protection compared to part 3 status. Recommendations have been made to enhance support for minority languages, including Cornish.

  • Education and Outreach: The Bill supports initiatives like Go Cornish, reaching over 8,000 primary school children. However, Cornish is not part of secondary or higher education curricula, despite previous availability of a GCSE.

  • Integration into Public Life: The proposal includes increasing the use of Cornish in public spaces like road signs and services, and encouraging media outlets to include more Cornish content, aligning with the Media Act 2024.

  • Cultural and Economic Benefits: Promoting Cornish can enhance tourism and cultural events, contributing economically as seen in other regions with minority languages. The focus is on sustainable tourism that benefits the local community and preserves Cornish identity.

  • Environmental Connection: Cornish culture is tied to Cornwall’s natural environment, including its wildlife and landscapes, exemplified by the revival of the Cornish chough and the filming of shows like “Beyond Paradise” in the area.

  • Support and Future: The Bill seeks to build on grassroots efforts by providing national support to ensure the Cornish language’s survival and growth. It emphasizes the importance of learning Cornish as a way to connect with cultural heritage.

  • Next Steps: The Bill was agreed upon and is scheduled for its Second Reading on 20 June.

Divisiveness

The session transcript provided shows a very low level of disagreement. The motion for leave to bring in a Bill about the Cornish language and heritage was presented by Anna Gelderd, and there is no indication of any opposition or debate against the motion within the transcript. The session concludes with the question being put and agreed to, followed by the Bill being ordered for presentation and read the First time without any recorded dissent or discussion from other members. This indicates a unanimous agreement on the motion, which is why the session is rated as having minimal disagreement. Examples of disagreement are not applicable in this case as none were present in the transcript.