The Cornish language is in a stronger state than it has been for a long time. Yet, like all small languages, there is a need for a programme to protect, support and develop it. Cornwall Council leads the Cornish language programme.
Cornish Language Strategy
The Strategy is our direction for developing Cornish usage. The current strategy will run for 10 years from 2015–2025. This includes four main parts:
- Status
- Use
- Acquisition
- Corpus
The aims of the programme are:
- To increase the number of Cornish speakers
- To create more opportunities to use Cornish
CC Cornish Language Strategy 2015–2025
Cornish Language Policy of Cornwall Council
In 2009, Cornwall Council adopted a Cornish Language Policy. The current version was adopted by Cabinet on 1 May 2019.
CC Cornish Language Policy 2019
Cornish Language Plan for Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council oversees delivery of the 10-year Cornish Language Strategy. As the lead Local Authority for Cornish, it is well-placed to set an example of how to use the language. This Cornish Language Plan explains how Cornwall Council will support the Strategy.
CC Cornish Language Plan 2019–2022
Annual Operational Plan
Operational Plans present the targets for each year. These align to the four main parts of the Strategy. They help us to show how we will work towards the longer term aims of the Strategy.
Official Status
The Cornish language has official recognition within:
The Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML)
In 2002, the UK government formally recognised the Cornish language. This was under Part II of the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Article 7 commits the UK government to 'base its policies, legislation and practice' on a list of nine objectives and principles.
You can read more about these commitments to the Cornish language and the Charter in general:
Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM)
In 2014, the UK government acknowledged the Cornish people as a national minority. This was under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. There are many aspects of National Minority status including:
- Culture
- History
- Language
- Sport
This Framework empowers Cornish people to better identify with their own cultural identity. It also encourages conditions where young Cornish people can feel valued and respected.
Cornwall Council maintains a Cornish National Minority page for more detailed obligations of this Framework. This is coordinated by the Cornish minority working group.
