In a passionate address to the House of Commons this week, Anna Gelderd MP made a compelling case for greater recognition and support of the Cornish language, calling for a new Bill to safeguard and promote Kernewek within education and public life.
Her proposed legislation would aim to strengthen the cultural and linguistic heritage of Cornwall, ensuring that it is not only preserved but actively nurtured for future generations.
“Today is not just about preserving the Cornish language, or Kernewek in Cornish,” Gelderd stated. “It is about protecting a cultural identity that is woven into the fabric of Cornwall’s past, present and our future.”
A Language with Deep Roots
Cornish, which can be traced back over 4,000 years, was once spoken widely across the region. However, conflicts and invasions from Europe gradually pushed Cornish speakers further west, and by the 18th century, the language had largely faded from everyday use.
It was Cornish fishermen who kept the language alive until its eventual decline, but in 2002, the UK Government officially recognised Cornish under Part 2 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages—a landmark moment affirming its status alongside Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scots and Ulster Scots.
Despite this recognition, Cornish remains the only Celtic language in the UK without the enhanced protections offered under Part 3 of the Charter, which provides stronger commitments in areas such as education, media and public life.
In November 2024, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages urged the UK Government to strengthen its support for minority languages. Gelderd’s Bill aligns with these recommendations, calling for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to linguistic diversity through practical measures.
Cornish in Education: A Missed Opportunity?
Although the recognition of Cornish is growing, it lacks sustained institutional support. Cornwall Council and the Cornish National Minority Working Group have taken commendable steps to promote its survival, notably through the Go Cornish programme, which currently reaches over 8,000 primary school children in 51 schools. Yet, the language remains absent from secondary and higher education, and the GCSE in Cornish, once available, was discontinued in 1996.
“The option to learn should always be available,” Gelderd argued. “The Government’s own charter commitments state that minority language education should be strengthened, and we must ensure that learning Cornish is a viable, accessible option—not a requirement, but a choice for those who wish to engage with their cultural heritage.”
She also dismissed concerns that introducing Cornish would burden already overstretched schools. The Go Cornish programme, she noted, provides structured resources, sound files and low-administration learning models that align with Ofsted’s cultural capital framework. Additionally, demand for adult learning opportunities is rising, with universities such as Exeter and Cambridge previously offering Cornish courses.
“If Welsh and Gaelic can be successfully integrated into education,” Gelderd asks, “why not Cornish?”
Visibility and Public Life
The MP also made the case for increasing Cornish visibility in public life. While Cornwall Council has worked since 2013 to promote the language, Cornish lacks official status within the county, and there is no legislative requirement for its use in signage, place names or public services.
“Kernewek is a beautiful and expressive language,” Gelderd said, “reflected in the meanings behind some of our town and village names. Menheniot means ‘sanctuary of St Neot’, Cargreen translates to ‘seal rock’, Looe means ‘sea lake’ and Luxulyan signifies the ‘holy place of a saint’.
“Understanding these meanings deepens our sense of belonging and connection to Cornwall’s history, landscape and identity.”
The Media Act 2024 has ensured that public service broadcasters must now consider content in regional and minority languages, including Cornish. However, Gelderd believes more must be done to normalise the language’s use in media, from local radio to television and digital platforms.
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Gelderd also highlighted the economic benefits of supporting Cornish language and heritage. A study commissioned by Glasgow City Council in 2022 found that Gaelic contributed £21.6 million to the city’s economy through tourism, cultural events and branding. Cornwall, with its rich cultural identity, has the same potential.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of Cornwall’s economy,” Gelderd noted, “but it must be sustainable and beneficial for local communities. Research shows that cultural tourism is a growing market. Kernewek events, heritage experiences and bilingual signage can enhance visitors’ experience while reinforcing our local identity.”
She warned, however, that the commercialisation of Cornwall’s linguistic heritage must be handled responsibly, ensuring that any financial benefits directly support Cornish people and culture rather than being exploited for superficial branding.
A Language of the Land and Sea
Cornwall’s language and culture are deeply entwined with its natural environment. Gelderd pointed to the successful reintroduction of the Cornish chough—a red-billed, black-feathered crow that disappeared in the mid-20th century but returned in 2001—as a symbol of resilience and revival. “Just as the chough has returned,” she declared, “so too can Kernewek flourish with the right protection and support.”
She also noted that Cornwall’s unique wildlife, from basking sharks to the Cornish heath flower, reflects the region’s distinctiveness.
The revival of Cornish has largely been driven by grassroots efforts, supported by organisations such as Golden Tree Productions, the Cornish Language Board and the Institute of Cornish Studies. However, national support is needed to secure its long-term survival.
“Cornish is more than just words,” Gelderd concluded. “It is a link to our history, our stories, our identity and our future. The promotion of Cornish language and heritage is about ensuring that Cornwall’s culture and language have the recognition they deserve and the support to flourish for generations to come.”
Ending with a message in Cornish, she encouraged everyone to learn a few words of Kernewek: “My a generth pubonan dhe dhyski nebes Kernewek” (I encourage everyone to learn a little Cornish) Meur ras (Thank you).”
The question now is whether the UK Government will seize the opportunity to ensure that Cornish does not merely survive, but thrives in the years to come.
Main Image: By Geof Sheppard – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51341853
