The question of whether Cornish is a Celtic language has long been a subject of debate among linguists and historians. The Cornish language is currently classified as an extinct language, as it is no longer spoken as a native language. However, there has been a revival of interest in recent years, with efforts to revive and promote the language. In order to understand whether Cornish is Celtic, it is necessary to delve into the origins of the language and trace the Celtic influence in Cornish history.
The Origins of the Cornish Language
The Cornish language, also known as Kernowek, is believed to have originated from the Brythonic branch of the Celtic language family. Brythonic was spoken in the British Isles during the Iron Age and Roman period, which included Cornwall. Cornish is closely related to, and shares similarities with, Welsh and Breton, which are also Brythonic languages. It is thought that the Brythonic languages evolved from the Common Brittonic language, which was spoken in Britain before the arrival of the Romans.
The earliest evidence of the Cornish language dates back to the 9th century, with a number of glosses and place names found in manuscripts. These manuscripts, known as the Bodmin Gospels, contain Latin texts with Cornish glosses. This suggests that the Cornish language was used alongside Latin in religious texts during the medieval period. The language continued to develop and flourish until the late Middle Ages when it began to decline due to political and social changes.
Tracing the Celtic Influence in Cornish History
The Celtic influence in Cornish history can be traced back to the Iron Age. The region of Cornwall was inhabited by the Celts, who were part of a larger Celtic culture that spread across Europe. The Celts brought their language, customs, and traditions to Cornwall, which became an important part of the region’s identity. The Celtic influence in Cornwall is evident in the place names, surnames, and cultural practices that have survived to this day.
During the Roman period, Cornwall was known as the kingdom of Dumnonia. It was a Celtic kingdom that maintained its independence from Roman rule for a considerable time. The Romans did eventually establish a presence in Cornwall, introducing Latin and influencing the local culture. However, the Celtic influence remained strong, and the language continued to be spoken alongside Latin.
In conclusion, the Cornish language is indeed Celtic. Its origins can be traced back to the Brythonic branch of the Celtic language family, and it shares linguistic similarities with Welsh and Breton. The Celtic influence in Cornish history can be seen through the language’s development, the presence of Celtic place names, and the retention of Celtic cultural practices. Although Cornish is currently classified as an extinct language, the efforts to revive and promote it serve as a testament to the enduring Celtic heritage of Cornwall.