“Absolutely nothing is so important for a nation’s culture as its language” (Wilhelm von Humbolt): The Cornish language in formal education

Abstract

Cornish is the vernacular language of Cornwall in the far South-West of Great Britain. It is currently taught through adult education and a correspondence course but has a limited position within formal and compulsory educational settings. What needs to occur for the language to gain a greater presence in schools, further and higher education? This paper discusses the current position of the language and issues for the language community to consider.