CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION
BRETON CONCERN
The Celtic League is investigating reports that an organisation has become active in Brittany which has as its objective opposition to the use of Breton on road signage. It is unclear at this stage who is behind the organisation, its political leanings or its linkage to the French State.
Over the past thirty years there has been a degree of success for campaigns in most of the Celtic countries seeking to achieve parity of status for the National language on signage, particularly town names and road signs. In Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Mannin and Kernow much greater usage of the language is apparent in road and place name markings. However much more needs to be done and we should disavow any lunatic fringe in France that opposes similar moves for Brittany.
Why a fringe movement in Brittany should suddenly adopt the stance ascribed to this new 'movement' is unclear. For example if they have concerns about the sanctity of the French language one would assume their efforts would be better directed against the bastardisation of the French language through the introduction of Anglo-American into every day usage. France of course is a country so wedded to its own culture and tradition that it fought vigorously to become the home of EuroDisney!
J B Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 27/12/05
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