The Cornish Language and Heritage (Education and Recognition) Bill represents a landmark moment for the Cornish language ‘Kernewek’, affirming its importance as a living part of our heritage. By promoting the teaching of Kernewek and recognising its importance in public life, the Bill aims to ensure residents have the opportunity to learn the language. This can help to strengthen our sense of identity, boost local economies, and ensure that future generations grow up with additional connection to their heritage, equipped with the skills to carry it forward.
Kernewek is more than words – it is a vital link to our past while shaping our present and future. For centuries, Kernewek was spoken in homes, on fishing boats, and in markets, and heard in stories and songs. It declined in the 18th century but thanks to our fishermen, the language never truly vanished. Dedicated groups have worked hard to revive Kernewek, and today it can be heard across the Duchy. I hope this is the beginning of a strong resurgence of Kernewek, so that we hear it once again in our homes, on fishing boats, in markets, and in the media.
The benefits of embracing Kernewek go beyond cultural preservation. Studies show that bilingualism supports cognitive development and cultural awareness. The revival of minority languages in the UK has strengthened cultural identity, created skilled jobs, and driven tourism. Cornwall has the same opportunity to unlock these benefits, by embracing Kernewek we can champion our unique identity, supporting businesses and attracting visitors.
Tourism stands to gain immensely from Kernewek. Already a popular destination, Cornwall can offer visitors a deeper connection through bilingual signs, guided tours, and cultural events that celebrate our rich heritage. The successful use of Gaelic in Glasgow has sparked a boom in the city’s economy, Cornwall can harness similar benefits by integrating Kernewek as a vibrant part of daily life. We already have a version of the language in our place names across the Duchy, but without a knowledge of Kernewek, residents and visitors miss the full meaning behind where they live, work, or love to visit.
Imagine a generation with a good understanding of both Kernewek and English. Providing the ability to learn Kernewek empowers our communities and fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and connection. Through this Bill, we provide learners of all ages with the tools to better understand the significance of where they come from.
By embracing and championing Kernewek, we invest in our communities, culture, and future prosperity. We have the chance to increase revenue from tourism and reinvest this funding into the vital infrastructure we need, like digital connectivity and physical transport improvements. South East Cornwall’s transport network needs real improvements. By drawing on our heritage and culture, in a sustainable way, we can help to create the resources needed to address the issues I know many residents face daily. Improved connectivity can facilitate greater access to learning resources, either in person or online, whichever suits them best and create a positive feedback loop that benefits both language and local communities.
Achieving an increased use of Kernewek and representation in industries, could open the door for speakers to obtain quality, skilled roles in education, translation, media, tourism and the creative industries while championing their heritage.
The revival of Kernewek is a powerful statement that our culture matters, that it deserves to be spoken, heard, and cherished by generations to come. The Bill is a chance to embrace the full richness of Cornwall’s identity, ensuring the language remains a living, breathing part of everyday life. Hansard, the official report of all Parliamentary debates dating back over 200 years, contains only one other record of Kernewek from 1999. It’s time to bring it back to the heart of UK Government and ensure it remains in place for generations to come.
Embracing Cornwall’s identity means ensuring the language remains a part of everyday life
