Breton language facts for kids

This road sign in Kemper (Quimper) shows both French and Breton names.

Breton (called Brezhoneg in its own language) is a special language. It belongs to the Celtic language family. You can find it spoken in Brittany, a region in the north-west of France.

Breton is quite similar to the Cornish language. Cornish is spoken in Cornwall, which is in the south-west of Great Britain. It's also related to Welsh, but not as closely. Other Celtic languages, like those in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, are even less similar.

Sadly, Breton is considered an endangered language. This means fewer and fewer people are speaking it. Around 240,000 people speak Breton today. However, this number is going down quickly. This is partly because the French government has mostly promoted the use of French.

What is a Celtic Language?

Celtic languages are a group of languages that came from an ancient language called Proto-Celtic. These languages were once spoken all over Europe. Today, they are mostly found in the north-west parts of Europe.

Breton is part of the Insular Celtic branch. This branch includes languages from the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. It's specifically a Brythonic language, like Welsh and Cornish.

Where is Brittany?

Brittany is a peninsula, which means it's land surrounded by water on three sides. It sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean from the west coast of France. This region has a rich history and a strong cultural identity. The Breton language is a big part of that identity.

Why is Breton Endangered?

For a long time, the French government encouraged everyone in France to speak only French. This policy meant that Breton was not taught in schools. Children were often discouraged from speaking it, even at home.

Because of this, many younger generations did not learn Breton. This caused the number of speakers to drop sharply over the years.

Efforts to Save Breton

Today, there are many people and groups working hard to save the Breton language. They want to make sure it doesn't disappear.

Teaching Breton

More and more schools in Brittany now offer classes in Breton. Some schools even teach subjects like math and science in both French and Breton. This helps children learn the language from a young age.

Promoting Breton Culture

Organizations like the Ofis Publik ar Brezhoneg (Breton Public Office) work to promote the language. They encourage its use in daily life, on signs, and in media. You can now see more road signs and public information in both French and Breton.

Music and Media

Many artists create music, books, and films in Breton. This helps keep the language alive and interesting for young people. It also shows that Breton is a modern language that can be used for all kinds of things.

Conclusion

The Breton language is a unique part of France's cultural heritage. Even though it's endangered, many people are working hard to protect and revive it. By learning about languages like Breton, we can understand the importance of cultural diversity around the world.

Images for kids

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  This 1911 poster has a Breton slogan, Burzudus eo! ("It's miraculous!")

• Municipal electronic information sign in Brehaix.jpg

  An electronic information sign in Breton, in Carhaix.

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  This vehicle belongs to the Ofis Publik ar Brezhoneg. This agency was started in 1999 to help promote and grow the use of Breton.

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  A sign in French and partly in Breton outside a school in Rennes. This school has classes taught in both languages.

See also

In Spanish: Idioma bretón para niños