breton

Breton refers to things connected with Brittany, a region in northwestern France, or to its people. The Bretons are the descendants of Celts from Great Britain who settled in Brittany from the 5th century onward, during the early medieval period, creating a distinct regional culture.

The Breton language is a Brythonic Celtic language and is related to Cornish and Welsh, though it is traditionally the native tongue of many Bretons and is now taught and spoken by far fewer people, with revival efforts in schools, media, and communities. It is primarily spoken in Brittany, especially in rural areas; in urban centers, French predominates. The number of active speakers has declined since the mid-20th century, but regional programs such as Breton-language schools and cultural associations have sought to revive usage.

The region of Brittany comprises four departments: Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Morbihan; Rennes is the regional capital.

Breton culture features Celtic musical traditions (bagpipes and bombardes), distinctive arts, and folk festivals; the Festival Interceltique de Lorient is a major annual event celebrating Celtic cultures. In modern France, Brittany retains a strong regional identity, with bilingual signage and media in Breton in parts of the region, while French remains the dominant language in education and administration. The term Breton can also describe cuisine, literature, and other cultural attributes associated with Brittany.