Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has today announced that the coalition government is investing an extra £150,000 to help promote and develop the Cornish language. The Cornish language is the only language in England recognised under the Council of Europe’s Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
Recognising this unique status, the government has provided over £500,000 since 2010 to the Cornish Language Partnership to help the language grow. The new £150,000 funding from the government will extend this support for another year and will sit alongside money from local partners to help promote Cornish.
Commenting the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "I’m delighted to have secured additional funding to preserve the Cornish language. When visiting on St Piran’s day it was clear to me that language is central to Cornwall’s heritage. I am determined to keep it alive and thriving. After Celtic conversations died out in the nineteenth century, great efforts have been made to revive and return Cornish to common use. It would be a crime to let such a distinct language disappear again."
"I’m proud to say the funding I pushed for will continue to ensure Cornish is spoken and heard across the county for generations to come. Capitalising on the culture which makes Cornwall unique will also bring more visitors to the region and in turn boost Cornwall’s economy, building a stronger economy and fairer society." Mr Clegg added.
