The Breton Language - A Languages Of The World Primer
Topics: Breton, France, French, language, languages, education, language training, Brittany
Whilst perceived in many quarters as a legacy of pre-Roman Gaul, Breton is in fact a much more recent arrival. Although a Celtic language, it is instead descended from the Celtic languages on the British Isles and was brought from there to Brittany by settlers some time in the late 3rd, early 4th century AD. It established itself in Lower Brittany and was the language of the elite until the early middle ages when French began to make inroads.
Over the following centuries, Breton fell foul of a series of French state policies that began to marginalize it, initially banning it from being used in public life. This process began with the 1539 Villers-Cotterets Ordinance, in which King Francis I made Parisian French the official State language. Later governments, including the revolutionary governments, actively sought to root out the language using the school system in an attempt to indoctrinate the masses.
Due to these constraints and the absence of an educated Breton speaking class, there was very little in the way of a literary tradition until the early 20th century. This changed in 1925 with the launch of a review entitled Gwalarn. During its 20-year run, this publication not only brought to the fore a large amount of original material but also stimulated the translation of major international works into Breton, thereby deepening the language’s cultural base.
Related languages
Breton is most closely related to Cornish and Welsh and distantly related to Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic but mutual intelligibility would generally be low.
Current status
Breton is the only surviving Celtic language not to be officially recognised and protected. To its credit, the French government did make a belated recent attempt to fund bilingual schools in Brittany but it fell foul of the French Constitutional Council who, rightly, noted that it would contravene Article 2 of the French Constitution which states that French is the language of the Republic. The French state does not seem to have any intention of amending the Constitution out of a fear that it would lead to the country’s eventual break-up.
Despite centuries of oppression, Breton is still a living language with somewhere near half a million people using it on a daily basis and over a million claiming knowledge of the language. That said, it has lost some of its vitality in recent decades and language use in daily life is down over 50% on what was reported in the 1930s. The launch of a regional TV station, TV Breizh, has given new impetus to Breton amidst growing regional demand for increased recognition of the language.
Stranslations.com offers professional language translation services in English, French, Spanish, German and other major European languages.
The original version of this article can be found here: www.stranslations.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Concealing A Mini Camcorder (1)
It is less than likely that you will regret buying this type of device and replacing having to use a bigger, bulkier, and less effective counterpart. Listen to Corbin Newlyn who is an expert author and an avid writer in electronics.
The Downside To Videoconferencing (2)
Gatekeepers can be used to reserve and set up conference calls. These services have network backbones dedicated to videoconferencing traffic, minimizing the potential disruptions and keep individual call quality high.
The Many Features Of Videoconferencing (3)
Electronic whiteboards are modeled on actual conference room whiteboards. The whiteboard appears on the screen of each conference participant. Each participant can type or draw on the board, highlight, or even load a graphic or document on the background of the whiteboard.
Its Classified - How To Utilize Free Classified Ad Sites To Boost Business (4)
To get the best response possible, you should use these tips when posting. First, think about your business and what you have to offer. Then decide which section of the classifieds your business would most appropriately fit into.
Pay As You Go Videoconferencing - A New Trend? (5)
One of the newest technologies in the world of the videoconference system is pay-as you-go videoconferencing. This is a great idea for a number of different reasons. The primary reason this works so well is because small businesses have no need to spend thousands of dollars on a new, top of the line, videoconferencing system.
Pulling Off International Meetings - The Videoconference Solution (6)
All this is possible with a videoconference. All required is that attention be given to camera placement. There are videoconferencing products that can do dual audio streams so that you can have two simultaneous languages during one videoconferencing call.
The DVD Goes IPod (7)
The process can take up to a few hours to complete. Once the program has completed, you can add the file to your iPod library. Another utility is Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter.
Manipulating Your Images (8)
With your software, you can crop the photos to remove unnecessary background images and focus on the subject of the picture itself. You can also adjust the contrast, brightness, and colors to make the photo more eye-catching and appealing.
Flash Photography (9)
In order to take effective indoor flash photos there are some techniques you should keep in mind. When using the flash do not point it directly at a mirror or glass that will create a lens flare or just ruin the photo.
IPod Video - A General Overview (10)
If it is already compatible, iTunes will give you a message saying so. If it is not compatible, it will be converted into a compatible format. You can add videos to your iPod from any computer that has iTunes installed.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Using Golf Rules Effectively (1)
New golfers know too well about the jokes played on newbie's because everyone laughs about them in the clubhouse after a day on the golf course is finished. To effectively use the rules of golf, a golfer must learn about the order of play and how to identify their own ball among many on the golf course or even in a pond or a lake.
All About Flash Drives (2)
The USB flash drive is basically composed of a small printed circuit board which is enclosed in a metal or plastic casing. The casings are created to be sturdy enough to protect the board from its usual elemental enemies; typically it has a removable cap or can be retracted back when not in use.
Is A Work From Home Franchise Business Right For You? (3)
You can get around this restriction if your home has been zoned for commercial use, but for the most part your business's exposure will depend on your ability to market it through various advertising media.
Some Pros And Cons Of Owning Real Estate (4)
What good things are happening in your area? Are there aspects that worry you? Make a list. Also consider how long you want to be there. While flipping is possible, most of the time you need to be patient before your home sells for the amount you'd like.
Days Devoted To Family Bowling (5)
Of course, they might not choose to bowl at all but they will devote a lot of time to sitting at this table nibbling away at the pizza with a big smile on their face.
Small Business Marketing: Five Simple Steps To Get Three New Clients, NOW! (6)
and magnetizing! One more marketing coach's challenge for you: please print out this article and put it where you can see it every day. Visualize me by your side, encouraging you each day that no matter where you are in you business - brand new, just getting by, or already into six-figures - you will make your "3 in 30 days" goal!
Are You Using An Ad Tracker To Track Your Affiliate Sales? (7)
Not only is this affiliate tracking software good for affiliate programs, but it is also quite useful for any mlm or downlink club. By using this software you will be able to determine exactly where all your referrals are coming from.
Run The Numbers Before Buying An Investment Property (8)
It could make or break a deal. If you are getting a duplex or a house, the loans are generally similar to other home loan programs. Triplexes and fourplexes tend to have higher rates, and commercial is a whole other ballgame.
Busy Children Learn While Playing Soccer (9)
With a few interceptions while using the head and torso, they are able to place the ball where they want it within range of their opponent's goalkeeper. They also learn how the goalkeeper does their job and are amazed when they use their arms and hands to push the ball back into the game and away from the goal that they work so hard to achieve.
What Does It Take To Start A Blog? (10)
Above all else, just remember that it takes time and serious effort to build a solid following. A few bloggers may manage it in a matter of months, but for many of us it will take far, far longer.
Permalink to The Breton Language - A Languages Of The World Primer