An Ger Dewnansek |
DEVON is a land which has a long association with the ancient British Celts and the kingdom
of Dumnonia. It is recorded that the Celtic tongue survived as a living
language in Devon at least until the middle ages, and in certain dialect words
and placenames even to the present day. Devon placenames include many elements of indisputable Celtic origin, such as 'combe', 'tor' and 'penn' and the tin and copper mines on and around Dartmoor are often prefixed 'wheal'. Many Devon churches have Celtic dedications - St Petroc, St Urith, St Nectan, St Brannock, St Budoc and more. These have survived to the present day, but what was the language our ancestors spoke? Why care? There are many reasons. To better understand our heritage, our placenames, and our culture. To add to our knowledge of language and its development. To better understand Devon and its people. To better know yourself. Those wanting to study Celtic Devonian currently have two avenues of interest. One option is the Cornish language. Cornwall was also part of the kingdom of Dumnonia. The Celtic tongue survived in Cornwall longer than in Devon (until the eighteenth century) and has since been revived (in the twentieth) - although there are some disputes as to the correct form. Because the Cornish language degenerated in its last days the Cornish reconstruction is based on the (albeit scarce) records from the middle ages. This timing is close to the last days of the language in Devon. Many Devonians have learnt at least some of the Cornish language [and we would encourage you to do so - see link below]. This language probably represents a close approximation to the language as it was spoken in its latter days in Cornwall. But was it the same as that spoken in Devon? Placenames in western Cornwall (where the language lingered longest) are different to those in Devon (or even eastern Cornwall). Follow the link below to understand why. Cornish for Devonians A second option is to look further back in time, and to look more broadly. Despite the fact that written records are virtually unknown, we do know that many people from Devon (and more broadly Dumnonia - a Celtic nation that included Devon, Cornwall and Somerset) settled in Brittany sometime between the fifth and seventh centuries, giving that area its name and its Breton language, where it still flourishes. By comparing the languages of Brittany and Cornwall for common elements, and with additional reference to placenames and other local evidence in Devon and surrounding counties it is possible to reconstruct the ancient Celtic language of Devon (or at least to suggest such a reconstruction). This work was pioneered by Welsh linguist Joseph Biddulph who has produced two booklets. The original (1987) was titled 'In search of Old Devonian' which was updated (in 1996) to 'A handbook of Westcountry Brythonic - The Forgotten Celtic tongue of South West England c 700AD (Old Devonian)'. This most recent booklet (ISBN 1 897999 06 2) can be obtained from the author. This language could be the native tongue of King Arthur, and it is certainly the precursor to the more modern Cornish and Breton languages as well as being more broadly spoken at the time across the Westcountry. Help revive this ancient tongue by following the link below. Old Devonian/Westcountry Brythonic So - which was the Celtic language of Devon? The answer is probably both! The Biddulph reconstruction is the likely language of Devon and surrounding counties as it was spoken in the period between the fifth and tenth centuries. A remnant (perhaps) of the language spoken by Arthur. Devon's Celtic language did not stop in the seventh century however, and it would have changed and developed over the following centuries, as it did in Cornwall. The Cornish language is a reconstruction of the language as it was spoken there somewhere in the period of the fifteenth to seventeenth century. Given the geographical proximity of Devon and Cornwall, the development of the language on either side of the Tamar would likely have been very similar - at least until the language's dying days when the various pockets of Celtic speakers may have become isolated. The probability is that a Celtic speaking Devonian in the fourteenth century spoke something akin to the Cornish language as it has now been recreated. To our knowledge there are no records of the specific language spoken by Devonians then (other than surviving in modern day dialect) although who knows what they may discover. Many historical documents have been unearthed in the last few decades and no-one can be sure what will turn up in the future. For somebody wishing to understand the Celtic language of Devon we recommend you study both. They are both interesting languages in their own right. So - where to from here? Here are some links to other pages or sites which may be of use. Old Devonian Cornish for Devonians The Celtic placenames of Devon and Somerset Devons Celtic Saints Discussion Forum |
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