“Support for the Cornish language is growing” says the new Grand Bard of Cornwall. Communique from Gorsedh Kernow – The Celtic spirit of Cornwall – in its 90th anniversary year
“This is one of my first duties as the new Grand Bard of Cornwall,” said Elizabeth Carne, Melennek, as she prepared to present graduation certificates to successful candidates of the Cornish language, Kernewek at Lys Kernow (Cornwall Council Offices) in Truro on Saturday 14th September 2018
The Cornish Language Board, KESVA – set up in 1967 by Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, recently announced an impressive set of results from the 77 candidates who took their exams back in the summer.
“I am so proud to congratulate our successful students, almost 15% up on last year, who are joining the growing number of people learning and taking exams in our precious Cornish language, Kernewek,” said the Grand Bard “and as a Cornish language teacher myself I would like to encourage everyone to think about learning a little Kernewek to use in their everyday lives.”
Taking time out after a hectic few months in the run up to Gorsedh Kernow’s Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, where Mrs Carne was installed as the new Grand Bard, she expressed her enormous gratitude to all those, many of whom are bards of Gorsedh Kernow, working hard to help the language thrive.
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s now forty years since I was invited to join the College of Bards for proficiency in the Cornish language and I have never lost my love for it.”
She gave particular mention to fellow bard Keith Syed, Gwyk Los, who was recently awarded a Gorsedh Kernow Awen medal in recognition of 34 years work on a translation of the Bible into Cornish.
“This is not the first time the Bible has been translated into Cornish,” said the Grand Bard, “but access to such large volumes in print is not always easy and we are delighted to announce that this new translation is available through newly launched downloadable apps for tablets, smartphones, pc and laptop.”
While warmly welcoming this move towards greater access to the Cornish language the Grand Bard once again drew attention to the lack of support from the British government for such an important part of Cornish culture.
“The Council of Europe has long since recognised the Cornish people and the importance of our cultural assets, such as Kernewek, under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ” said Elizabeth Carne, “and once again we call on HM Government to honour their commitment to the Cornish people and reinstate funding to the Cornish language.”
“This is one of my first duties as the new Grand Bard of Cornwall,” said Elizabeth Carne, Melennek, as she prepared to present graduation certificates to successful candidates of the Cornish language, Kernewek at Lys Kernow (Cornwall Council Offices) in Truro on Saturday 14th September 2018
The Cornish Language Board, KESVA – set up in 1967 by Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, recently announced an impressive set of results from the 77 candidates who took their exams back in the summer.
“I am so proud to congratulate our successful students, almost 15% up on last year, who are joining the growing number of people learning and taking exams in our precious Cornish language, Kernewek,” said the Grand Bard “and as a Cornish language teacher myself I would like to encourage everyone to think about learning a little Kernewek to use in their everyday lives.”
Taking time out after a hectic few months in the run up to Gorsedh Kernow’s Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, where Mrs Carne was installed as the new Grand Bard, she expressed her enormous gratitude to all those, many of whom are bards of Gorsedh Kernow, working hard to help the language thrive.
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s now forty years since I was invited to join the College of Bards for proficiency in the Cornish language and I have never lost my love for it.”
She gave particular mention to fellow bard Keith Syed, Gwyk Los, who was recently awarded a Gorsedh Kernow Awen medal in recognition of 34 years work on a translation of the Bible into Cornish.
“This is not the first time the Bible has been translated into Cornish,” said the Grand Bard, “but access to such large volumes in print is not always easy and we are delighted to announce that this new translation is available through newly launched downloadable apps for tablets, smartphones, pc and laptop.”
While warmly welcoming this move towards greater access to the Cornish language the Grand Bard once again drew attention to the lack of support from the British government for such an important part of Cornish culture.
“The Council of Europe has long since recognised the Cornish people and the importance of our cultural assets, such as Kernewek, under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ” said Elizabeth Carne, “and once again we call on HM Government to honour their commitment to the Cornish people and reinstate funding to the Cornish language.”
