‘The language is part of my life’: Gwenno shares songs in Cornish to inspire new generation

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Gwenno Advocates for Teaching Cornish Language in Schools to Preserve Local Culture"

‘The language is part of my life’: Gwenno shares songs in Cornish to inspire new generation analysis cover image The Guardian 8.6
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c5d16dd32e7395fae9001970a387b9fecfd0ab9e/14_0_667_534/master/667.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=54a0944648c2bd4a2545d86d56329d7e
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/08/the-language-is-part-of-my-life-gwenno-shares-songs-in-cornish-to-inspire-new-generation
View Raw Article Source (External Link)
Raw Article Publish Date:
AI Analysis Average Score: 8.6
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Gwenno Saunders, a Cornish/Welsh singer and Mercury Prize nominee, advocates for the inclusion of the Cornish language in school curricula to help preserve local culture and heritage. During her recent visit to Mevagissey community primary school in Cornwall, Gwenno engaged Year 5 pupils by performing songs in Cornish, Welsh, and English. She emphasized the importance of teaching children about their local history and language, as it fosters a sense of community and identity amidst globalization. Gwenno noted that many children in Mevagissey were not familiar with the Cornish language due to a lack of access, highlighting the need for educational initiatives that promote local languages. She expressed that learning about one’s heritage is vital for children, as it provides them with a deeper understanding of their roots and contributes to their emotional and intellectual growth.

In addition to her educational efforts, Gwenno performed a variety of songs, including one that addresses the theme of language loss and its impact on identity. She shared historical anecdotes with the children, such as the Cornish rebellion of 1497 and the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, to illustrate the significance of language and culture in shaping community narratives. Cornwall Council supports this initiative with programs like Go Cornish for Primary Schools, aimed at encouraging the use of the Cornish language among younger generations. Gwenno’s performances not only entertain but also serve as a platform for raising awareness about the cultural richness of Cornwall. Her lighthearted song about cheese, Eus Keus?, exemplifies her belief in the importance of humor within cultural expression. Gwenno continues to inspire a new generation through her music and advocacy for Cornish language and culture, demonstrating that local traditions can thrive in modern society.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article brings attention to Gwenno Saunders, a Cornish/Welsh singer, who advocates for the inclusion of the Cornish language in school curriculums. This initiative is rooted in a desire to preserve local culture and heritage in a world increasingly dominated by globalization. Gwenno's visit to a school in Cornwall and her performance there serve as a platform to promote the significance of the Cornish language and its historical context.

Cultural Preservation and Education

Gwenno emphasizes the necessity of teaching the Cornish language to children, arguing that it fosters a connection to local heritage. Her perspective suggests that language is not merely a means of communication but a crucial element of identity and community. By introducing the language into the curriculum, she aims to inspire a new generation to appreciate and engage with their local culture. This approach aligns with broader trends in cultural preservation, where minority languages are recognized as vital to maintaining cultural diversity.

Community Engagement

The interaction between Gwenno and the children at Mevagissey primary school illustrates a grassroots effort to connect the younger generation with their linguistic heritage. This engagement not only promotes the Cornish language but also encourages a sense of community among the children. By sharing songs that discuss local history and issues, Gwenno seeks to empower the youth with knowledge and pride in their cultural roots.

Historical Context

Gwenno touches upon significant historical events, such as the Cornish rebellion of 1497, linking them to contemporary issues around language and identity. This historical framing serves to highlight the long-standing struggles for cultural recognition and autonomy in Cornwall, suggesting that the fight for language preservation is part of a larger narrative of resistance against cultural homogenization.

Potential Impacts

The news piece may aim to foster awareness and support for language education initiatives, potentially influencing local educational policies. By spotlighting Gwenno's efforts, the article could encourage community members and policymakers to prioritize local languages in educational settings, thereby impacting future generations and their cultural identity.

Public Perception and Support

This article likely resonates with communities that value cultural heritage and support minority languages. It may particularly appeal to those who feel the effects of globalization on their local identities, fostering a sense of solidarity among advocates for the Cornish language and culture. The focus on education, history, and community could galvanize support from various groups committed to preserving local traditions.

Market and Economic Considerations

While the article does not directly relate to financial markets, it highlights a cultural movement that may have indirect economic implications. For instance, increased interest in Cornish culture could boost local tourism, benefiting businesses in the region. Furthermore, as language and culture become focal points for community identity, there might be emerging opportunities in markets related to cultural education and heritage tourism.

The article does not appear to exhibit overt manipulative tendencies, as it primarily presents Gwenno's views and experiences. However, it does frame the narrative in a way that encourages readers to sympathize with the plight of the Cornish language, subtly pushing for recognition and action through emotional appeals.

In terms of reliability, the article presents Gwenno's perspective and activities without significant bias or sensationalism. It provides a straightforward account of her advocacy efforts, making it a trustworthy representation of the subject matter.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/08/the-language-is-part-of-my-life-gwenno-shares-songs-in-cornish-to-inspire-new-generation

The Mercury prize-nominated Cornish/Welsh singerGwenno Saundershas said that Cornish should be more widely taught to children in the far south-west of Britain to protect the language and preserve local culture.

Gwenno spoke after visiting a school in the fishing village of Mevagissey on the south coast of Cornwall before a performance at the nearbyLost Gardens of Heligan.

Year 5 pupils at Mevagissey community primary school joined her in singing. She covered an eclectic range of subjects, from the importance and vitality of Kernewek (Cornish) to rebellions of the 15th and 16th centuries – and cheese.

Gwenno, whose parents are a Cornish poet and Welsh language activist, sings in Cornish, Welsh and English. She said: “The children in Mevagissey weren’t that familiar with the language because they don’t have access to it. I think it would be really useful for it to be on the curriculum. It’s really nourishing for children to learn about local heritage and history in a language that is from the place where they live.

“It’s so easy in a very globalised world to feel like everything’s the same and there’s only one way of doing things. Having local strains of history and language and accents gives you a sense of place and sense of community and creativity.”

Gwenno was nominated for the Mercury prize in 2022 forher acclaimed third record, the Cornish-language Tresor. She is appearing at theHeligan Homecoming festivalon Thursday 19 June as part of a lineup of artists, comedians and thinkers exploring the themes of home and belonging. She last performed a gig in Cornwall at theMinack theatrein 2023.

Among the songs Gwenno performed for the children in Mevagissey was Den Heb Taves, meaning “a tongueless man”. Gwenno said: “It’s about losing your language and how that contributes towards losing your grounding and your footing.”

She also spoke to the children of the Cornish rebellion of 1497, partly a response to hardship caused by the raising of taxes by Henry VII to go to war, and the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549.

“Children love those sorts of really deep, dark, big ideas,” Gwenno said. “I think that when you go into school and you’re having a conversation it’s really important to try and push it emotionally and intellectually.

“Often people think: ‘Oh well, we’ve lost our language because it wasn’t important or it was irrelevant’ and actually, so often it’s systematic and it’s structural why a language dies or almost dies.”

She said she wanted to convey to the children that Cornish was an integral part of her life. “The language is something that’s part of my life and part of my home life and I think if a language comes from that I think it has a real chance to thrive.”

Cornwall council believes there are about 500 advanced Cornish speakers and 2,000 with basic levels of Cornish. It has designed a free initiative called Go Cornish for Primary Schools to promote the language and culture.

It says Cornish culture is “thriving” with more peoplegetting involved with programmesand events celebrating Cornish food, heritage, sports and music.

Gwenno also sang a rousing song with the Mevagissey children about cheese called Eus Keus? (Is There Cheese?). “I thought we should probably lighten it. The thing about any language or culture is that you’ve got to find the absurd in it and the humour. It’s really cathartic to shout about cheese. It was fun to do. I’ll be singing that till I’m 90 if I’m still here.”

The Heligan Homecoming festival takes place on selected dates between 13 and 22 June 13. For details go toheliganhomecoming.co.uk

Back to Home
Source: The Guardian