Many of us may not realize or think about it, but French is far from the only language spoken in modern-day France. From Euskara (also known as Basque) in the southwest to Alsatian in the northeast to various other Romance languages such as Catalan, Occitan, and Franco-Provençal, France is home to a large number of regional languages and dialects—each with its own traditions and heritage. Breton (or Brezhoneg in the language itself) is yet another example of this, and is especially unique in that it is a Celtic language related to Welsh and Irish Gaelic. Spoken in the region of Bretagne in western France, Breton’s distinctive history and contributions to French culture have helped to shape France’s unique linguistic heritage for centuries.
History
The area that is today the French region of Bretagne was invaded and conquered by the Romans—who called it Armorica—in the first century BCE. The fifth and sixth centuries CE saw a great deal of migration by the Celtic peoples of Britain to Armorica, eventually leading to the change of the region’s name to Brittany (or Bretagne in French). The various principalities that composed Bretagne were united in the ninth century by Nominoë—the first Duke of Bretagne and a figure known to Breton nationalists as Tad ar Vro (‘Father of the Country’). It was at this point that the Breton language was at its most robust, particularly in western Bretagne. Those living in the east spoke primarily Gallo, a Romance language that had developed from Late Latin. Breton independence was not to last, however, as Bretagne was annexed to France in 1532 while retaining some vestiges of independence. But with the French Revolution in 1789, Bretagne was officially made part of the French nation—an event that would cause French to formally take precedence over Breton.
Over the years that followed, schoolchildren in Bretagne were routinely humiliated and punished for speaking Breton rather than French. As has also been true of Basque and other minority languages of France, Breton came to be increasingly regarded as a language of the uneducated; forgetting it and learning the French language was how one got ahead in life. It was not until the passage of the Loi Deixonne in 1951 that Breton began to be slowly reincorporated into public education in France; according to this law, Breton language and culture could be taught for between one to three hours a week in any school, provided that an instructor was willing and able to teach it. As we will see in more detail later, revitalization efforts have continued since that point, but the process has been neither an easy nor a fast one.
Breton on the language family tree
On the most general of levels, Breton—like English, French, Russian, German, Hindi, and many others—is an Indo-European language. More specifically, it belongs to the Celtic family—related closely to Cornish and Welsh, and more distantly to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. Although Celtic languages were once spoken across much of Europe, centuries of conflict between the Celts and the more powerful Anglo-Saxons has led to their slow decline. With this loss of power has come a loss of status for the Celtic languages—which have been associated with poverty, ignorance, and social inferiority over the centuries. Although revitalization efforts today are ongoing, Welsh remains the only Celtic language not classified as “endangered” by UNESCO. This is due to the substantial amount of literature (particularly religious texts) that has always been available in Welsh, as well as to the continued insistence of many Welsh speakers that an effort be made to preserve their language.
As a result of geographic proximity and contact with Latin and especially French throughout its history, Breton’s vocabulary has also been heavily influenced by those two languages. Words such as salud (related to Latin salus and French salut), pesk (related to Latin piscis and French poisson), and others now form an integral part of its lexicon.
Revitalization efforts
Today, Breton revitalization efforts are flourishing and have no doubt begun to change the stigmas associated with the language. New educational opportunities for both children and adults, as well as the use of various media outlets in order to increase awareness, have significantly increased Breton’s relevance in the public sphere.
The first major success in incorporating Breton into French schools was the establishment of the Diwan system in 1977. The Diwan (‘seed’ in Breton) schools are based on full immersion in order to ensure that children master Breton and can use it not only in academic, but also in social environments. They have been highly successful in terms of students’ test scores and developing their actual proficiency in Breton, but are often under-funded and are thus supported in large part by parents’ fundraising efforts.
In addition to the Diwan schools, there exist several bilingual programs (with classes taught half in French and half in Breton) at both public and private schools. Combined, bilingual and immersion schools in Bretagne currently enroll over 8,000 students; while this accounts for only 1% of the region’s children, it does mean that there is hope for Breton’s passage to future generations.
Outside of the classroom, one can find several Breton-language radio stations, recently-published books, magazines, and websites. Public television in Bretagne also airs five minutes of news daily and one weekly 45-minute program in Breton, and campaigns for this amount to be increased are ongoing. In short, although the process has not been an easy one, support for the preservation of Breton in the public sphere continues to grow.
Common Phrases
How are you? – Mat an traoù?
Welcome – Degemer mat
Please – Mar plij
Thank you – Trugarez
Goodbye – Kenavo
Sources
http://www.breizh.net/icdbl/saozg/endangered.htm
http://www.languagesoftheworld.info/student-papers/the-decline-of-the-celtic-languages.html
88 Responses to “Breton”
SanyaPepega
Hello, welcome to this forum. To your attention an article which will help you to earn. In this article you will find all the necessary tips and tricks to win more often and more.
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/fair-go-casino-alternatives-up-to-date-websites-overview-for-2023-news-274145
It tells about the most effective strategies used by professional players. You’ll learn how to choose slots, how to use bonuses and freespins, and how to properly manage your bankroll.
getting over it
This is a country filled with unanswered questions. I was fascinated after reading the facts regarding this area.
ketty peri
This is great post, also there is wonderful and authentic CIPD assignment writing help is available online for learning writing tricks and scoring top grades affordably.
밀양출장샵
However, users will need to licence the SRTM data if they do not already have it.
UKW Tools makes use of the current Internet to keep us all informed on the latest happenings, especially new data coming online.밀양출장샵 As the Internet grows and the details of satellite data and refitted segmentation become more available, UKW Tools can, just like with the SRTM and GTOPO30, use these services in order to help to keep the microwave community informed of the best
mikerooney179
Thanks for sharing informative post. It is one of the best site that I have visited. Hope you will share more quality blog posts thank you. Johnny Lawrence Track Jacket Season 5
Andrew Mark
This is excellent article, thank you for the share! This is what I am looking for, hope in future you will continue sharing such an superb work.
Coat Blade Runner 2049
alicebobby
Thank you for sharing this great article! This is what I’m searching for, and I hope you’ll keep sharing your amazing work in the future. retro bowl college
Jayden Lamb
I found this post very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing your special thoughts with us. I definitely share this with my peeps.
Henry Larry
The parallels drawn between Breton and other endangered Celtic languages shed light on the broader challenges faced by linguistic diversity.
Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning Services
maskinla
The comparisons made between Breton and other Celtic languages that are in danger of extinction highlight the larger difficulties that linguistic diversity faces run 3
Solar
Your well-researched contributions provide valuable information to the forum community. Solar
Db City
Fascinating read! The history and cultural significance of Breton is truly remarkable. gwalior flats
Ted Porter
Several Breton-language basketball legends radio stations, books, periodicals, and websites can be found outside of classrooms.
rye beg
Your arguments are cogent and lucidly expressed. I am geometry dash online grateful for your contribution and really forward accessing further insights from you.
zafar
I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you. stenogram nagrania
zafar
I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. Syair Cambodia
zafar
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. gentlemen clubs Miami
mujtaba
Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . Indilens Web Solutions
zafar
Experience the benefits of softer, cleaner water. Contact Us
zafar
Thanks for picking out the time to discuss this, I feel great about it and love studying more on this topic. It is extremely helpful for me. Thanks for such a valuable help again. sugar daddy meet
จุดเด่น ของค่ายเกม sexy gaming
… [Trackback]
[…] Info on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/breton/ […]
ส่งพัสดุ
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More Information here to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/breton/ […]
zafar
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. Ecommerce Packaging
zafar
Friend, this web site might be fabolous, i just like it. #SRASurvivors
Syair Cambodia
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. best australian online casino
Syair Cambodia
It is a fantastic post – immense clear and easy to understand. I am also holding out for the sharks too that made me laugh. Studiobet 78
Syair Cambodia
Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! Oxibet88 Login
Syair Cambodia
I am always looking for some free kinds of stuff over the internet. There are also some companies which give free samples. But after visiting your blog, I do not visit too many blogs. Thanks. 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
fyp805 slot This blog website is pretty cool! How was it made !
Syair Cambodia
Thank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC. https://tiiaettala.com/
Syair Cambodia
I am incapable of reading articles online very often, but I’m happy I did today. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing. 스포츠중계
บ้านพักพูลวิลล่า หัวหิน
… [Trackback]
[…] Here you will find 60878 additional Info to that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/breton/ […]
Syair Cambodia
I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you. 해외축구중계
Syair Cambodia
Today, I was just browsing along and came upon your blog. Just wanted to say good blog and this article helped me a lot, due to which I have found exactly I was looking. 축구중계
Syair Cambodia
I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the endeavors that you have made in writing this article. All the content is absolutely well-researched. Thanks… 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
Wie kann man ein Restaurant Design gestalten, ohne viel Geld zu investieren? Die Lösung: Gastronomie Möbel folieren statt neu kaufen. klebefolie möbel
Syair Cambodia
i am for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something back and help others such as you helped me. 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
That is the excellent mindset, nonetheless is just not help to make every sence whatsoever preaching about that mather. Virtually any method many thanks in addition to i had endeavor to promote your own article in to delicius nevertheless it is apparently a dilemma using your information sites can you please recheck the idea. thanks once more. Låsjour Stockholm
Syair Cambodia
Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional expand. Regards. 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. 축구중계
Syair Cambodia
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! maniaslot
Syair Cambodia
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. giftcardmall/mygift
Syair Cambodia
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. 스포츠중계
Syair Cambodia
This is the type of information I’ve long been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. 해외축구중계
Syair Cambodia
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. dezynsekcja warszawa
Syair Cambodia
I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! Manhood Plus Gummies
Syair Cambodia
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Manhood Plus Gummies review
Syair Cambodia
I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing. Pressure Washing Braintree
altogel togel login
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More on on that Topic: unravellingmag.com/articles/breton/ […]
Syair Cambodia
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. blown double glazing and blown double glazing repair
Syair Cambodia
Best work you have done, this online website is cool with great facts and looks. I have stopped at this blog after viewing the excellent content. I will be back for more qualitative work. fiestas en madrid
Syair Cambodia
I’m curious about Torzon Market’s features. Does it offer better anonymity than other marketplaces? darknettorzonmarket.com
Syair Cambodia
It really is concurrently a significant spot that i really savored exploring. Just isn’t everyday offering the outlook to see or watch something. 주소링크
Syair Cambodia
In these days of austerity as well as relative anxiety about taking on debt, lots of people balk about the idea of having a credit card to make acquisition of merchandise or maybe pay for a vacation, preferring, instead only to rely on the particular tried plus trusted way of making settlement – raw cash. However, if you have the cash on hand to make the purchase in whole, then, paradoxically, that is the best time for you to use the credit card for several causes. Thruster blast
Name*
Thanks for sharing us. 비엔티안 에코걸 추천
Syair Cambodia
Thank you for sharing a bunch of this quality contents, I have bookmarked your blog. Please also explore advice from my site. I will be back for more quality contents. betflikvip
Name*
Your work is truly appreciated round the clock and the globe. It is incredibly a comprehensive and helpful blog. situs agen togel
Syair Cambodia
I appreciate this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so interested in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. Your blog is really impressive. Leanbiome
Syair Cambodia
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Agen parlay terpercaya
Syair Cambodia
I read your blog frequently and I just thought I’d say keep up the amazing work! 출장안마
Syair Cambodia
This is the type of information I’ve long been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. 수원출장마사지
Syair Cambodia
This blog website is pretty cool! How was it made ! raja play
Syair Cambodia
Nice post mate, keep up the great work, just shared this with my friendz DINA189
Syair Cambodia
I exactly got what you mean, thanks for posting. And, I am too much happy to find this website on the world of Google. rajabandot daftar
Syair Cambodia
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. 문화상품권할인
agen togel online
Good post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it! gold finder machine
hamzaReally I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. i enjoy this post. transkrypcja nagran
Great job here on _______ I read a lot of blog posts, but I never heard a topic like this. I Love this topic you made about the blogger’s bucket list. Very resourceful. csbola
Syair Cambodia
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Situs bola parlay
Syair Cambodia
RumahBola merupakan Agen Judi Bola Mix parlay dan Situs Slot online terpercaya dengan Menyediakan pasaran bola terlengkap di indonesia Situs bola parlay
Syair Cambodia
If more people that write articles really concerned themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. Thank you for caring about your content. more info
maniaslot
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Situs Mediaslot78
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. Suitclub
maniaslot
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. تلگرام
SMM Bear
This is such a comprehensive piece! You’ve broken everything down in a way that’s easy to understand, even for beginners. Thank you for sharing! cheapest smm panel
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. ดูอนิเมะ
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. pornoterbaru
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. chikii app unlimited coin
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. ดูหนัง
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. pornoterupdate
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. ดูหนังออนไลน์ hd
Name*
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You’re incredible! Thanks! porno
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. ดูหนังออนไลน์ 2024
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. anime
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Tonic Greens
Syair Cambodia
Sugar Defender Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Ấu dâm trẻ em
Syair Cambodia
Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. Istana189
Syair Cambodia
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. JHON77