Kernow/Cornwall: National Trust Urged to Respect Cornish Language

The branch secretary of the Celtic League in Kernow has written a letter to the National Trust (NT) about their use of only using the English language on signs at properties they manage in Cornwall.

In his letter, Michael Chappell, argued that in view of the fact that Cornwall Council now has adopted a dual signage policy throughout Cornwall and that English Heritage, who administers many of the historical sites throughout Cornwall on behalf of the Duchy of Cornwall, also uses dual signage on many of its sites, the NT should also be considering adopting a similar policy.

Mr Chappell's letter follows on from a letter written to the NT about the same issue by the previous branch secretary in November 2009. Iwan LeMoine pointed out in his letter that the NT in Wales uses the Welsh language on signs on its Welsh properties, so there was no reason why they couldn't do the same in Cornwall.

Both branch secretaries highlighted the fact that by using the Cornish language on its signs would serve to enhance Cornwall's diversity and richness of culture and that Cornwall Council would even support them by providing a free translation service. Mr Chappell and Mr LeMoine are still awaiting a reply to their letters.

An edited version of Mr Chappell's letter can be found below.

«I am writing to ask if it would be possible for properties and sites owned and administered by the National Trust in Cornwall to make more use of the Cornish Language on their signage.

English Heritage which administers many ancient sites in Cornwall on behalf of the Duchy of Cornwall has employed dual signage at most of its attractions. Further, Cornwall Council now has a dual signage policy whereby many road signs are in English as well as Cornish.

Indeed, Cornwall Council offers a translation service and the Cornish Language Unit there would doubtless be very pleased to help the National Trust celebrate Cornwall's unique Celtic, pre English language, history, heritage and culture. Increasing numbers of people now speak Cornish, education classes abound with lessons soon to start in many schools and even the Anglican Church holds services in Cornish.

There are numerous books written in Cornish and widely available, including the New Testament...there is Cornish music, theatre and dance groups performing in the language, as well as BBC Cornwall broadcasts in Cornish.

In my opinion, the introduction of Cornish at NT sites in the Duchy would serve to further enhance Cornwall's diversity and richness of culture.

I look forward to your response.

Dhiso yn lel/Sincerely yours

Michael J. Chappell»

The NT in Cornwall can be contacted at the address below:

National Trust Regional Office Lanhydrock Bodmin PL30 4DE

Tel: 01208 265200 01208 265200 Fax: 01208 265270

Link: (voir le site)

Other Nationall branches/members might wish to write to NT expressing support for the Kernow branch position on this issue

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

02/01/10