Bilingual signs to be decided today
STREET signs in Cornwall could be bilingual in future as a result of plans put forward by Cornwall Council this week.
A draft Cornish language policy was set to be considered by the council's cabinet today and puts forward ways to promote the Cornish language, including making all street signs bilingual.
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While not going as far as in Wales, where all road signs are bilingual, the policy would see residential street signs and signs in council buildings in both Cornish and English.
Bilingual
The document suggests the introduction of bilingual signage in all council buildings and using Cornish in all council publications and literature, including on the council's website.
By adopting a Cornish language policy, the council hopes it will cement its role as lead partner in the Cornish Language Partnership.
The report puts forward three options to the council: having no use of Cornish, going fully bilingual or having an inclusion of Cornish "considered" for all council publications and signs.
The recommendation being put before cabinet is the third option.
Bilingual street signs are already used in the former district council areas of Kerrier and Carrick for all new and replacement signs, with developers encouraged to adopt Cornish language names when naming new developments.
The report states: "Cornwall has a strong and distinct culture, the environment, particularly industrial, is recognised through the World Heritage Site designation, similarly the maritime and artistic inheritance is very strong.
"The language is an important marker of that distinctiveness and interest in it has grown considerably recently."
It states that while language policies had been adopted by the former district and county councils, they all differed.
Today
"This report seeks to establish a coherent and consistent approach for Cornwall Council, which will fulfil the council's obligations under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and as lead body for the Cornish Language Partnership to the benefit of Cornwall."
Cornwall Council's cabinet was due to make a decision on the policy today.
62 Comments
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by L Smith, Cornwall
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 1:18PM
“"...I am sure if they had known how divided and opinionated it is down here they would have stayed where they were !"
So we should all be the same and not have opinions that differ from that of the majority? Cornwall is a free country.”
by Jonathan, Penzance
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 12:35PM
“The Cornish Language is our key cultural element, it should be instated and as Cornwall is a officially a Duchy rather than a county and as the Cornish are a Nation as opposed to a regional variation it is beholden upon the reigning authority to ensure that as a distinct culture we are encouraged to use our native language, it is'nt any wonder that after years of neglect and interference many previous generations deny the positive rewards of the language returning, our culture is precious and contributes towards the sum total of the United Kingdom just as Welsh, Manx and Gealic languages and cultures. The United Kingdom embraces multi cultural societies, so let the charity begin at home.”
by Nigel Gregory, Brisbane, Australia
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 12:17PM
“Brilliant! FOC! The new Cornwall Council are really going in the direction of promoting Cornwall and its very distinctive Celtic heritage. Hope they will continue with their innovative approach and to develop more policies for Cornwall's effective advancement that do not depend on any consideration for neighbours over the Tamar.”
by Alf, Trerulefoot
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 8:23AM
“As I understand it and I have spoken to someone who knows about this proposal, street signs in both languages will only be put up when existing signs need replacing or brand new signs are required. The cost of dual language signs is exactly the same as those in a single language, so why the belly aching about extra costs?”
by Jenny, St Austell
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 2:40AM
“Reply to L Kernow
Re England Rugby Team - the Cornish want to make themselves totally separate from England and be treated as such, so why join an English Rugby Squad if you do not consider yourself to be English ?
I moved to Cornwall with my parents whilst still in school, it was not my choice and I am sure if they had known how divided and opinionated it is down here they would have stayed where they were !”