Why Penzance Council’s signs could soon speak Kernewek

Dyth da. Meur ras. Two small phrases, hello and thank you, and the Mayor of Penzance says just hearing people use them around the town is wonderful. Now his council has written the language into how it works.

At a recent Monday evening meeting, councillors voted to adopt Polici an Yeth Kernewek, a Cornish language policy for Penzance Council. Among other things, it means bilingual signage at the services and sites the council runs.

📷St Piran's Day in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

What the policy commits to

The policy sets out the council’s commitment to promoting and using Kernewek. Wherever practical, it will support bilingual signage when current signs need replacing or new ones are needed.

It also commits the council to:

• encouraging councillors and officers to use key Kernewek phrases in their roles and in their day-to-day lives
• supporting and promoting annual Speak Cornish Week activities in Penzance
• encouraging the use of Kernewek when new streets are named

Why Penzance

West Penwith is well known as the last stronghold of Kernewek, holding on as the language declined through the 17th and 18th centuries. The council felt it was only right to adopt a policy promoting its use within the organisation.

The wider picture has shifted a long way. The UK Government officially recognised Kernewek in 2002 and included it under the European Charter for the Protection of Regional and Minority Languages. By June 2024 there were reports of a “significant rise” in the number of people learning it since the Covid pandemic.

Then in December 2025, the UK told the Council of Europe it would apply Part III of the charter (now renamed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages) to Cornish. That decision significantly strengthened the protection and promotion of Kernewek.

These days the language turns up on buses, welcome signs, in pubs and theatres, on the BBC and in a growing number of primary schools. A generation ago, most of that would have been hard to imagine.

📷St Piran's Day in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

What councillors are saying

Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Andy Law, said: “As Mayor, I am very proud that we have adopted the Polici an Yeth Kernewek, pledging our support for the routine use of Kernewek in as many areas of our work as possible and encouraging others to speak even a little Kernewek as they go about their daily lives. I’ve started Grade 1 lessons and just hearing people in Penzance saying dyth da (hello) or Meur ras (thank you) is wonderful.”

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Penny Osborne, said: “Splann! I’m really pleased that Penzance Council has adopted this policy. Kernewek is such an important part of our history and identity, particularly in this area, so it’s great to see it becoming a more visible and everyday part of life again.

“For me, learning a bit of the language has really brought that connection to life. Hopefully this policy will encourage more of us to have a go, use a few words and phrases, and help keep Kernewek alive and well in Penzance for future generations.”

Three new bards from the parish

There was more good news for the council to hear. Three Penzance Parish residents have been recognised by Gorsedh Kernow for their community work and knowledge of Kernewek, and all three were formally initiated into the College of Bards at the recent ceremony in Bude.

Emma Gibson, Paul

Recognised for promoting the Cornish language, culture and identity in the community. Her bardic name is Myrgh Breweni (Daughter of Paul).

Judith Lawrence, Penzance

Recognised for promoting Kernewek in her community. Her bardic name is Trosyer Tamm ha Tamm (Plodder Little by Little).

Susan Opie, Newlyn

Recognised for gaining Grade 4 in the Cornish language examinations and her continuing work for Kernow. Susan is also the current Mayor’s Consort, and her bardic name is Krefter gans Geryow (Strength with Words).

Andy added: “I am very proud that my wife and Consort has been honoured by being admitted into the College of Bards of the Gorsedh Kernow and continue to rely on her to correct my Kernewek!”

The council’s own sign-off put it in both languages: Taves byw ha sewen yw an yeth kernewek yn Pennsans! Cornish is alive and thriving in Penzance.

📷St Piran's Day in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council