At the Penzance Council meeting last Monday evening, Councillors voted to adopt Polici an Yeth Kernewek / a Cornish Language Policy that includes installing bilingual signage at Penzance Council operated services and sites.
In 2002, the UK Government officially recognised Kernewek, the Cornish language, and included it under the European Charter for the Protection of Regional and Minority Languages. By June 2024, it was reported that there had been a ‘significant rise’ in the number of people learning the language since the Covid pandemic. It now appears in everyday life in ways that would have been hard to imagine just a generation ago – on buses, welcome signs, in pubs and theatres, on the BBC and in a growing number of primary schools.
In December 2025 the UK notified the Council of Europe that it would apply Part III of the now re-named European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages to the Cornish language. This decision significantly strengthened the protection and promotion of Kernewek.
West Penwith is well known to have been the last stronghold of Kernewek when the language declined through the 17th and 18th centuries, so it seemed only right that Penzance Council adopt a policy that promotes the use of the language in the organisation.
Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Andy Law, said:
“As Mayor, I am very proud that we have adopted the Polici an Yeth Kernewek, pledging our support for the routine use of Kernewek in as many areas of our work as possible and encouraging others to speak even a little Kernewek as they go about their daily lives. I’ve started Grade 1 lessons and just hearing people in Penzance saying dyth da (hello) or Meur ras (thank you) is wonderful.”
The policy outlines the Council’s commitment to promoting and using the language and, amongst other things and wherever practical, support the installation of bilingual signage when its current signage needs to be replaced or new signage is needed. It also commits to encouraging Councillors and officers to use key Kernewek phrases as part of their roles and in their day-to-day lives, supporting and promoting annual Speak Cornish Week activities in Penzance, and encouraging use of Kernewek when naming new streets.
Deputy Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Penny Osborne, said:
“Splann! I’m really pleased that Penzance Council has adopted this policy. Kernewek is such an important part of our history and identity, particularly in this area, so it’s great to see it becoming a more visible and everyday part of life again.
“For me, learning a bit of the language has really brought that connection to life. Hopefully this policy will encourage more of us to have a go, use a few words and phrases, and help keep Kernewek alive and well in Penzance for future generations.”
In addition to this new policy, the Council was delighted to hear that three Penzance Parish residents were recognised for their community work and knowledge relating to Kernewek by Gorsedh Kernow. All three were formally initiated into the College of Bards at a ceremony held in Bude earlier this month.
Emma Gibson from Paul was recognised for promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community and took the bardic name Myrgh Breweni / Daughter of Paul. Judith Lawrence from Penzance was recognised for promoting Kernewek in her community and took the bardic name Trosyer Tamm ha Tamm / Plodder Little by Little. And Susan Opie from Newlyn, who is also the current Mayor’s Consort, was recognised for gaining Grade 4 in the Cornish language examinations and continuing work for Kernow and took the bardic name Krefter gans Geryow/ Strength with Words.
Cllr Andy Law added: “I am very proud that my wife and Consort has been honoured by being admitted into the College of Bards of the Gorsedh Kernow and continue to rely on her to correct my Kernewek!”
Taves byw ha sewen yw an yeth kernewek yn Pennsans! / Cornish is alive and thriving in Penzance!
