There are many opinions as to the correct representation of the true Cornish Language, which can roughly be divided in the following four schools of thought.
1. UNIFIED (Henry Jenner & Robert Morton Nance)
2. REVISED LATE CORNISH (Richard Gendall)
3. KEMMYN (Ken George & Wella Brown)
4. UNIFIED CORNISH REVISED (Nicholas Williams & Andrew Climo-Thompson)
The differences can largely be recognised by the spelling system used and also the vocabulary as follows:
1. UNIFIED - No letter 'i' - based on Middle Cornish manuscripts.
2. REVISED LATE CORNISH - based on Last known spoken Cornish.
3. KEMMYN - uses double consonants and Breton loan words.
4. UNIFIED CONISH REVISED - uses West Penwith pronunciation and vocabulary.
There is an attempt by scholars of all the above versions to unite the differences into one commonly followed language, which has resulted in the STANDARD WRITTEN FORM.
Books Plus bookshop stocks dictionaries and courses from all the Cornish Language forms, plus histories of how the Cornish language has developed and changed.
The following books are available:
1. UNIFIED
Dictionary (Blue) - R. Morton-Nance
Cornish Dictionary Supplement No.2 (Chy ha Sothva)
Kensa Kernewk (2 CDs)
Everyday Words in Cornish -Jo Litchfied
Gerlyver Ber (published by Tor Mark)
An Ky a Gerdhas Bys dhe Loundres - Ann Trevenen Jenkin
2. REVISED LATE CORNISH
A CD soon to be released - Richard Gendall
3. KEMMYN
Dictionary (Yellow/Black) - Ken George
Mini-Dictionary
First 1000 words
Skeul an Yeth course (books, tapes and CDs)
Holyewgh an Lergh course (tapes)
Grammar Beyond the First Grade - John Page
Pymp Kan Kernow
4. UNIFIED CORNISH REVISED
Dictionary (Plum) - Nicholas William
Kernuak Es - course book and CD - A. Climo-Thompson
Please phone, email or call in to see us and we'll be happy to show you our stock and offer advice.
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CONTACT
23 Market Jew Street, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2HR.
Tel: 01736 365607
Fax: 01736 365921
Email:
books@booksplusuk.com
