As part of the celebrations for UNESCO Mother Language Day in February, the Institute of Cornish Studies and School of the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Exeter in collaboration with Exeter City of Literature and Exeter Library, are delighted to host a variety of events on Cornish Language and Culture.
Come along to this exciting event exploring the ongoing revitalisation of Cornish language and culture, taking place across the library. There will be engaging performances from Cornish poets, in addition to short and creative Cornish language taster classes, poster displays and a 'Your Cornwall bookshelf' displaying literature on Cornish language, culture, food and traditions. Little ones will also have the opportunity to pick up some Cornish, with word games and activities aplenty throughout the day.
This wide range of events and activities, led by experts in Cornish and language revitalisation from across the University’s Exeter and Cornwall campuses, promise to offer something for all. With so much going on, you won’t want to miss out!
Cost: All events are free.
Minority Languages in Europe and the case of Cornish: 11am - 12noon, Meeting Room 1
Listen to experts of Multilingualism from the University of Exeter who research into minority languages. Found out about the revival of Cornish in its broader context of linguistic revival movements across Europe and the world.
Cornish goes digital: 12noon - 12.30pm, Foyer
Find out how technology is transforming the learning of Cornwall! Hop onto online word games during this half hour. This session will also demonstrate the latest language apps.
Poeticizing Cornwall: with poets Taran Spalding-Jenkin and Sam Brown: 1pm - 2pm, Meeting Room 1
Come and hear an exclusive performance of Taran and Sam’s poetry in the Cornish language, followed by discussion of Cornish literature and what makes Cornish a special language in which to communicate our deepest feelings and to challenge societal norms.
Lightning Speed Cornish Tasters: 12.30pm - 1pm / 2pm - 2.30pm / 2.30pm - 3pm, Library Floor
Sample for yourself the fascinating Cornish language in our speedy 30 minute sessions - no booking needed! Learn some basic phrases in the Cornish language.
Mapping Breton and Cornwall: Drop-in all day long, Library Floor
Cornwall and Brittany have long had tight cultural, migratory and economic links. Come to our engaging, visual display to find out more about the linguistic similarities between Breton and Cornish!
Your Cornwall bookshelf: Drop-in all day long, Library Floor
Discover arrange of books about Cornwall and the Cornish language! During the day we’ll signpost what is on offer, for example; saints, recipes and language.
Cornish goes global; the case of Cornish-Mexican heritage: Drop-in all day long, Library Floor
Cornwall has long been a site of widespread emigration across the world. Come and read more about existing Cornish heritage in a Cornish migratory hotspot: Hidalgo in Mexico!
Accessibility statement: The entrance to the building is wheelchair accessible. There is a circular ramp, as well at a small set of stairs. As you enter, you walk into our foyer and café area and can continue through the building to the main library floor, children’s library, and accessible toilet.
All floor are accessible using a set of customer stairs or a public lift. The public toilets on the top floor have four cubicles, one of which is accessible (and baby changing). The
Rougemont Balcony is accessible via a small step, however we have portable wheelchair ramps that can be used to allow access.
The toilet in the children’s library is accessible and has baby changing facilities.
The library furniture and bookshelves are laid out in such a way to ensure wheelchair access throughout.