Council divided over dual language signs
PLANS to have all street signs in Cornwall printed in both Cornish and English have split councillors.
Cornwall Council’s cabinet agreed to adopt a new Cornish Language policy at its meeting yesterday but some councillors branded the plans as “ridiculous and unnecessary”.
-
As well as using Cornish language on street signs the policy also states that the council should try and use Cornish in publications and on its website to help promote the language.
Councillors were told that the changes would not cost the council any extra as manufacturers would add the translations at no extra charge and will only apply for new signs or for signs that need replacing.
Mebyon Kernow leader and councillor Dick Cole said the move could boost Cornwall’s economy.
He said: “Cornwall’s uniqueness is its Celtic heritage and we have to promote that as a brand to attract more overseas visitors. These sorts of things are vitally important when trying to make an area stand out from the rest.”
Cllr Cole said that with the county bidding to be a region of culture it was “very positive” to be promoting parts of the Cornish culture such as its language.
However Cllr Morwenna Williams (Cons) said: “This will not be welcomed in my part of the county. Some people in Cornwall will find this ridiculous and unnecessary.”
Cllr Fiona Ferguson (Cons) suggested that the council should ask the public first before making a decision.
“I think we should be asking the local community – listening to the comments here some people are strongly in favour while some are very much against it.”
94 Comments
View all
by Matthew, Camborne
Thursday, November 19 2009, 1:48PM
“These people who are obviously very pro-English and anti-Cornish, and who moan about how much money this is all going to cost, cannot even read their own language. If they could, they would know bilingual signs won't cost any extra! This has made many English nationalists living in Cornwall very uncomfortable - and they are playing the 'waste of money card'. To them I say - 'read the information properly.'”
by Ian Williams, Redruth
Monday, November 16 2009, 9:57PM
“"I have personal experience of this driving into Wales - great for the Welsh Nationalists - a nightmare for visitors (professional and tourists) .."
In that case let's get rid of English on road signs and put them in French or German as I believe this is where most visitors to the UK come from.”
by Pawl, Kernow next to Engerland just like Wales
Monday, November 16 2009, 4:47PM
“Great news.
Big Ger - I nver knew there was a Truru in Engerland as well as Kernow ? I know about the one in Newfoundland and the USA, but in Engerland ? Well I never !”
by Mike Champion, Camborne
Monday, November 16 2009, 4:40PM
“There have been some ignorant comments and complete garbage posted on here by the anti-Cornish lobby. The Cornish Language supporters have never said that they want Cornish to be compulsary. Where do People get this rubbish from? All we ask for is that the Language is there for those who want it. Thefore bilingual signage is making it available to those who want to use it. We also want the Language available in Schools, again for those who want it. I personally would argue for Cornish Medium Schooling to be available, again for those who want it. Nobody is going to, or even wants to force the Language on those who don't.
This however is NOT the position of those who are against, who by their anti position, are forcing English upon the rest of us. Hypocrocy at its worst.”
by Big Ger, Truro England
Monday, November 16 2009, 10:33AM
“What some people fail to realise is that Cornwall realise on the tourist pound to fund the majority of our county's infrastrucure.
Anything like this "celiticisation" of the sings will bring in the "middle class Glastonbury/Tones hippy type" pounds.
It';s a winner for Cornwall, as the "Celtic scene" attracts in these people who have abandoned religion, and taken up "New Age" romanticism instead.
Ok, so many of them will end up moving here and buying up property, but that;s the price we have to pay.,”
by Neil, U.K.
Monday, November 16 2009, 9:48AM
“Sara, This is more to do with history than racism. Many of the Cornish place names being talked about here date back to Anglo Saxon times. Then, the Cornish were amongst the very first inhabitants of this country. Then, it was invaded by the Romans, Vikings, William The Conqueror etc. from whom most of us have descended. Centuries later, I doubt if any U.K. residents therefore are truly English or Cornish.”
by GOUDIE CHARLES, Hayle, Cornwall
Monday, November 16 2009, 8:53AM
“I am fully in favour of dual language street signs. I would also be in favour of re-naming Hayle 'Heyl'.”
by sarah, looe
Sunday, November 15 2009, 11:28PM
“English is our language and country, everyone living in Cornwall speaks English as a native language no human on Earth has Cornish as a native language. Yet more silly nationlists that scour the internet seeking to spread hate and make the cornsh look foolish (mike and his mates on C24).”
by Old Boy, Surrey
Sunday, November 15 2009, 4:46PM
“I can only assume that what was the poorest part of England (Objective 1 begging bowl...) has had a remarkable turn round if this is the best use of money in Cornwall. There are more French speakers in Cornwall than 'Cornish'. Totes Directions mes amis...”
by jon, st.ives
Sunday, November 15 2009, 3:19PM
“good idea but perhaps bad timing given financial constraints at present”