Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek (''The Cornish Language Fellowship'') is a Cornish language association which exists to promote, encourage and foster the use of the Cornish language. It is represented on the

Cornish Language Partnership The Cornish Language Partnership ( kw, Keskowethyans an Taves Kernewek , ) is a representative body that was set up in Cornwall, England, UK in 2005 to promote and develop the use of the Cornish language. It is a public and voluntary sector partn ...

. Unlike other Cornish language organisations, Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek recognises the validity of all forms of revived Cornish, and membership is open to all. Nevertheless, although its members use all forms of Cornish, the society has long been associated by many with a particular spelling system called

Kernewek Kemmyn Kernewek Kemmyn (Common Cornish or "KK") is a variety of the revived Cornish language. Kernewek Kemmyn was developed, mainly by Ken George in 1986, based upon George's earlier doctoral thesis on the phonological history of Cornish. It takes muc ...

. As a result, Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek received a boost in its membership after 1987 when The Cornish Language Board itself adopted, and declared its support for, Kernewek Kemmyn. It received a further boost when Paul Dunbar and

Ken George Kenneth John George is a British oceanographer, poet, and linguist. He is noted as being the originator of Kernewek Kemmyn, an orthography for the revived Cornish language which he claims is more faithful to Middle Cornish phonology than its prec ...

claimed in their book ''Cornish for the 21st Century'', published in 1997, that criticisms of this system were without foundation, as by that time Kernewek Kemmyn was very widely used - a large majority of people sitting examinations in the Cornish language were choosing to be examined in Kernewek Kemmyn. Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek respects the rights of its members to use whichever form of Cornish they choose, although its written business is conducted in Kernewek Kemmyn because that is the form used by the majority of its members. Every month the society publishes a Cornish Language magazine called ''An Gannas'' which consists of articles, stories, news, comment and puzzles. Publishing is an important aspect of the work of the society. Amongst the variety of materials that have been produced are books, diaries, stories and language learning materials. Books with accompanying tapes and CDs are also published to assist beginners. The society also produces tea-towels, mugs, car stickers, pens, cards, T-shirts and other items for sale, all displaying the Cornish language. During the year the society organises a number of language days, often supported by

Cornish music Cornwall is a Celtic nation with a long musical history. Strengthened by a series of 20th century revivals, traditional folk music has a popular following. It is accompanied by traditions of pipers, brass and silver bands, male voice choirs, cla ...

or dancing, giving Cornish speakers the opportunity of meeting together in a Cornish speaking environment. The society is closely associated with the running of Cornish classes throughout

Cornwall Cornwall (; kw, Kernow ) is a historic county and ceremonial county in South West England. It is recognised as one of the Celtic nations, and is the homeland of the Cornish people. Cornwall is bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic ...

and beyond. It maintains links with a wide range of other cultural organisations both in Cornwall and beyond, including language and educational organisations in other Celtic countries. The society is a voluntary body, (charity no. 1065527) and its funding is raised through grants, membership, sales and donations.

References

External links

Website of the Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek
{{Cornish language Cornish language Cornish culture Celtic language advocacy organizations

See also

References

External links