Cornish

Cornish is a term that can refer to the people of Cornwall, a county in the southwest of England, as well as to the region’s language and culture. It is used as an ethnonym for the Cornish people and as an umbrella for things associated with Cornwall.

The Cornish language, or Kernewek, is a revived member of the Brittonic branch of the Celtic languages, closely related to Welsh and Breton. It began to decline in the 18th century and nearly disappeared as a community language. Revival efforts began in the 19th century and have continued into the present, with renewed orthographies, educational programs, media, and public use. In the 2011 census, 557 residents in Cornwall reported knowledge of Cornish. Today the language is recognized as a regional or minority language under UK law and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and it enjoys ongoing support from cultural and educational initiatives.

Historically, Cornwall formed a distinct cultural and political area, with its own mythos and traditions. The economy once centered on tin and copper mining, shaping a strong maritime and rural culture. Cornish identity is reflected in music, literature, folklore, and festivals, as well as in the continued use of traditional symbols and cuisine.

Symbols and culture play an important role in modern Cornish identity. Saint Piran’s Flag, a white cross on a black field, is a widely recognized emblem. The Gorsedh Kernow festival and various language and cultural groups promote Cornish heritage, while the Cornish pasty remains a well-known culinary association of the region.