Celtic Languages News

2021/03/17

Pupils in Gaeilge, Irish language, schools top 7,000 for first time in Northern Ireland

a 3/17/2021

The number of young people being educated through Irish has passed 7,000 for the first time. Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) said new figures highlighted the significant growth that the Irish-medium sector was experiencing. The council said local committees and activists deserved huge praise for their commitment to ensuring Irish-medium education was available in every county in the north.

Fifty years after the establishment of the first bunscoil, CnaG said demand was higher than ever and would increase further.

It said one of the most recent success stories was that of Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon. Founded in 2011 with just 12 pupils and two staff, it now provides Irish-language education to 143 children and employs almost 20 people. Principal Móna Uí Dhochartaigh said the school was at the heart of a vibrant revival of all aspects of Gaelic culture in the area. "The cornerstone of our school is the partnerships formed with the local GAA clubs, both hurling and football, the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and indeed with the other Gaelscoileanna in the Mid-Ulster area," she said.

"Our pupils are immersed in the Irish language, in Gaelic sports, in traditional Irish music and song and we encourage them to develop all their individual talents. This culturally rich ethos is embodied in our school motto which states that Irish-medium education provides `a precious link with our heritage and a valuable asset for our future'."

A huge crowd demonstrates in defense of the Breton language

a 3/13/2021

The joint call of the three Breton education networks (Diwan, Div Yezh and Divaskell), supported by Kevre Breizh, Kelennomp! and Sonerion gathered about 5,000 Bretons. This is one of the most important mobilizations in defense of the Breton language. And that’s all the organizers will remember. A crowd invaded Saint-Corentin Square in Kemper (Finisterre) this Saturday afternoon, March 13, 2021, to defend the languages of Brittany: Breton and Gallo.

The 10 proposals of Diwan, Div Yezh Breizh, Divaskell, Kelennomp and Kevre Breizh.

Cornish couple discriminated against over wedding language

a 3/09/2021

Steph Norman and Aaron Willoughby have been told they must have their wedding ceremony in English first. Steph Norman and Aaron Willoughby were told by Cornwall Council their ceremony must be in English and Cornish. The council said "declaratory and contracting words" can only be said in English or Welsh for a legally binding marriage. Ms Norman said "I feel if everyone understands the language, it should be up to them what language they speak". The couple contacted the council as part of their search for a registrar who speaks Cornish, when they were told their plans for the ceremony were not legal. Ms Norman, 32, from St Anne near St Day, then researched the Marriage Act 1949 and found an exception only applied to Welsh speakers.

She said: "If you fluently speak Welsh then that's perfectly legal, but not Cornish. "It feels like we've been a bit discriminated against, because it's not equal across the board."

The Manx Language Network, Jeebin, encourage everyone to celebrate the Manx language under the umbrella name

a 2/27/2021

From 9 June to 9 July 2021, the Manx Language Network, Jeebin, will be encouraging everyone to celebrate the Manx language under the umbrella name ‘Gaelg21’ which simply means ‘Manx21’. â€¨Jeebin is keen for everyone in both the language and wider community to be involved in hosting and participating in events and projects. If you’re interested in becoming involved, we’d love you to get in touch by emailing: gaelg@culturevannin.im

We have tied the celebrations in with an international event called Colmcille1500, which focuses on St Columba and the Gaelic languages in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Nova Scotia and the Isle of Man. There will be various themes for Colmcille1500 looking at his role as a saint, his relationship to Gaelic languages, his inspiration for heritage, art, as well as environmental issues: https://colmcille.net/colmcille-1500/

Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, Ruth Keggin Gell, said:

“We have chosen June and July for Gaelg21 so that we can include Arbory Parish’s Laa Columb Killey, St Columba’s feast day, and Tynwald Day. We are planning a mix of online and real-life events (in line with any restrictions that may be in place at that time), ensuring that Manx speakers and supporters around the world can take part and can enjoy Gaelg21 to the full.”

A schools programme called ‘Manx Mysteries’, run by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, has already begun. Twelve of our Island primary schools have been invited to join in an island-wide quest to solve ancient enigmas and collaborate in creating some valuable memories.

Jo Callister, Advisory Teacher for the Manx Curriculum in the Department of Education, Sport and Culture said:

“A number of generous organisations have offered time and energy, as well as unique gifts and services –including special envelopes with hidden messages, intriguing maps, celebratory anthologies of our language, and mechanical puzzles. There will be a special focus on traditions and the Manx language, and as the year progresses so will the quest!”

The Manx language is one of the Isle of Man’s international success stories. Although relatively small in terms of number of speakers, its impact on worldwide efforts to protect and promote endangered and minority languages is huge. As a result of well-organised community-based initiatives coupled with targeted Isle of Man Government support, the Island is now looked to by many as an example of best practice.

Sinn Féin letter in support of the Breton Language Education

a 2/25/2021

Letter in support of Breton education sent to the French Ambassador - Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Irish-Speaking Community, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has this morning written to the French Ambassador, Vincent Guérend, to demonstrate his concerns regarding the policy announced by the French Government this week to reduce the number of hours a student is permitted to study per week at school through the Breton language.

Litir ag tacú le hoideachas trí mheán na Briotánaise seolta go hAmbasadóir na Fraince - Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD

Tá litir seolta ar maidin ag urlabhraí Gaeilge, Gaeltachta, Ealaíon agus Cultúir Shinn Féin agus Cathaoirleach Comhchoiste Oireachtais na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus Phobail Labhartha na Gaeilge, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, go dtí Ambasadóir na Fraince, Vincent Guérend, ag léiriú an t-imní ata aige mar gheall ar pholasaí fógartha ag rialtas na Fraince an seachtain seo laghdú a dhéanamh ar an líon uair gur féidir le daltaí scoile tabhairt faoin oideachas trí mheán na Briotanaise in aghaidh na seachtaine.

Below is the text of the letter he wrote: / Seo thíos téacs den litir a scríobh sé.

Cher Monsieur l’ambassadeur,

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

May I firstly congratulate you on your appointment as Ambassador to Dublin, and I hope that you have been made to feel welcome despite the impact of the pandemic on our ability to meet in person.

I am writing, however, to express grave concern on behalf of Sinn Féin at the recent decision of the French Government to severely limit the ability of students to engage in education in the Breton language.

Breton, together with Irish, forms part of a common Celtic heritage stretching back centuries and millennia – a heritage recognised in Article 75 of your Constitution – that it is the privilege and good fortune of France and Ireland to keep alive and celebrate.

As Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on the Irish language, Gaeltacht, Arts and Culture, and as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Irish language, Gaeltacht and Irish-speaking community, I take a personal interest in the preservation and promotion of this unique linguistic bond that ties our communities across the Celtic Sea.

Immersive education is the only way to ensure the survival of these cultural jewels as vibrant living languages and literary traditions.

The decision to reduce the number of hours students may study through the medium of Breton in schools is an attack on speakers of all Celtic languages and on the human rights of regional and minority language communities. With the election of Emmanuel Macron to the Presidency of the French Republic, there were high hopes when he pledged to ratify the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, that work was finally underway to rid France of its negative reputation as a State which treated its linguistic diversity with contempt, disrespect, and oppression. This policy change, which appears to have taken place without consultation or public debate, suggests a return to the bad old ways, and causes many to lose that hope.

I am writing to you to call on the French Government to reconsider this policy, and to fulfil its Constitutional commitment to the linguistic heritage of Breton, Basque, Catalan, Corsican, Alsatian and the other languages that enrich the cultural landscape of France. I would also welcome an explanation as to this decision and its implications for the heritage of all Celts.

Míle buíochas,
Is mise, le meas,
Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD

Youngest ever new chairman of Agan Tavas Kyle Odgers

a 2/24/2021

He was elected the new chair of Agan Tavas at the Annual General Meeting held virtually earlier this month. The AGM also approved a new Mission Statement, with a strong focus on safeguarding Cornish tradition and greater emphasis on speaking the Cornish language in everyday life.

Kyle said: “Agan Tavas means Our Language. Cornish is a unique and very valuable part of our heritage. It belongs to everyone. I’m looking forward to leading Agan Tavas as we strive to put the Cornish language back into the heart of Cornwall’s culture.”

Supermarket director sacked after Welsh language jibes

a 2/24/2021

A supermarket chain's PR chief has been sacked after comments about Wales, its language and the UK Celtic nations. Keith Hann was dismissed by frozen food specialists Iceland "with immediate effect" after remarks on Twitter. Further comments on a personal blog also emerged, describing the Welsh language as "incomprehensible" and "gibberish". Iceland is based in north Wales, and said the comments did not reflect their values. An official at Iceland apologised for any upset or offence caused by the comments.

His latest controversial post on Twitter commented on the TV star Amanda Holden being accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling to Cornwall.

"Your periodic reminder that the inhabitants of the UK's Celtic fringe loath ALL visitors, in and out of lockdown," he said. His social media account was later made private, with his profile stating: "All views my own and usually joking". Welsh language commissioner Aled Roberts said Mr Hann's comments showed a lack of respect, adding "these attitudes belonged to the past, but unfortunately there are individuals who still harbour these views".

Netflix announces Sponge on the Run as its first ever Irish language movie version

a 2/23/2021

Netflix has announced that The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run will be the first Irish language version of a movie to appear on the platform. TG4 and Macalla have partnered with Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies to create the Irish language version of The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run, which was initially released in 2020.

The English language version is voiced by Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Keanu Reeves (Sage) and Matt Berry (Poseidon) while the Irish version will feature actors such as Marcus Lamb, Lochlainn O’Mearáin, Brian Thunder and Carmel Stephens. TV presenter Daithí O Sé will also be involved as the voice of King Poseidon and, speaking about his role, the Rose of Tralee host said: "King Poseidon is an exuberant character who is somewhat full of himself. Thankfully, not like me at all, so I had to dig deep to act the part! He was a fun character to play. Because of Covid 19 restrictions, we recorded the character voice from home, and my young son was eavesdropping for some of the recording. He’s delighted his Dad has a starring role in the movie."

Strong mobilization in Brest in defense of the Breton language at school

a 2/22/2021

Faced with the French ministry's intention to reduce the number of hours taught in Breton at school, several organizations called a demonstration on February 20 in Brest. This event has been a success with about 1,500-2,000 people.

Students, with the planned reform, would only have one hour of teaching Breton today instead of three. As a result, teachers would see their hours reduced or lose their positions.

Christian Troadec, Breton nationalist mayor of Carhaix, departmental councilor, declared: "In the face of Minister J.-M. Blanquer's indescribable attack on Diwan's immersion system and therefore on the Breton language, I can only unite to those who invite to Saturday's protest rally. "

Cymdeithas yr Iaith calls on Senedd to implement ‘single continuum’ of teaching Welsh

a 2/13/2021

The intention would be to remove a Welsh second language qualification and ensure that Welsh-medium education is eventually extended to include all schools and all children.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith said that this would mean that every child can leave our schools fully bilingual – but that the continuum is a way of recognizing that this cannot happen overnight and therefore offers a ‘road map’ for schools to achieve this aim over time.

Each school would start at different places on the continuum – Welsh-medium schools are already Welsh-medium schools while English-medium schools would begin right at the start of the continuum.

This amendment, according to Cymdeithas yr Iaith, would “give clear guidance to headteachers and teachers” and would represent “an important step forward towards the goal of Welsh-medium education for all”.

Toni Schiavone, chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Education Group, said: “Members of the Senedd need to pass this amendment to the Curriculum Bill as it would provide clear guidance to headteachers and teachers for the purpose of developing a single programme of Welsh language teaching.”

‘Re-brand’

The Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee is set to debate amendments to the Curriculum Bill on Friday, including one amendment by the Member of the Senedd Siân Gwenllian on the code for implementing a single continuum of Welsh language teaching.

The code also supported by the Welsh Language Commissioner and the teachers’ union, UCAC.

According to Cymdeithas yr Iaith the amendment would require Welsh Ministers to issue a code “which sets out how a curriculum is to make provision for teaching Welsh on a single continuum”, and would mean that the “curriculum…[or]…teaching and learning does not encompass the mandatory element of Welsh unless it accords with the provision in the code.”

“The curriculum published by the Government does not ensure one path of teaching Welsh, and instead seems to be an attempt to re-brand second language Welsh. Adopting Sian Gwenllian’s amendment would rectify this and ensure that all children in Wales are able to leave school confident in their ability to communicate in Welsh,” Toni Schiavone said.

“The current situation, which deprives 80% of Wales’ children of the Welsh language, is not satisfactory. This is a golden opportunity for Kirsty Williams to cement her legacy as Education Minister and provide a generation of children with the gift of the Welsh language.

“Ensuring that every child is able to communicate bilingually would go a good way towards raising teaching standards in general in our country, as this would contribute towards strengthening various skills such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, creative skills as well as linguistic skills – however, this can only be done if we introduce Welsh-medium education for all.

“It is therefore essential that this amendment, which would represent an important step forward towards achieving the goal of Welsh-medium education for all and a million Welsh speakers by 2050, is adopted.”