A Short History of the Breton Language

Breton, the language of Brittany, has endured despite a legacy of neglect. Once spoken by over a million speakers and the most spoken language in the six Celtic countries, its fortunes declined in the Twentieth Century. Today, however, it is enjoying a renaissance due to community endeavour and support from the regional government. From writers such as Ànjela Duval and Pierre-Jack Helias to musicians like Alan Stivell, as well as the Diwan school movement, the language is now more positive about its future. This is the story of Brezhoneg, its history and its exciting future and progress. Diarmuid Ó Breasláin is co-author of ‘A Short History of the Irish Language’ (with Paddy Dwyer) and ‘A Short History of the Manx Language’ (with Brian Stowell).