Breton, an endangered language, is a Celtic language spoken in Brittany, France, has its roots in the migration of Celtic tribes to the region during the 5th and 6th centuries, particularly the arrival of the Britons from southwestern Britain. Breton is the only Celtic language to have French influence. Over time, Breton developed as a distinct language, influenced by both its Celtic origins and the local Gallo-Roman culture. It is part of the Brittonic branch of the Celtic languages, which also includes Welsh and Cornish. Despite its early spread and prominence in Brittany, the language began to decline in the medieval period due to external pressures, including the expansion of the French state and the dominance of Latin and later French as the languages of power and administration.

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The decline of Breton continued into the modern era, exacerbated by policies of language suppression in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the period of French national consolidation. Education in French was enforced, and speaking Breton was often stigmatized, especially in schools. As a result, the number of Breton speakers steadily decreased throughout the 20th century. In recent decades, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in Breton, with cultural movements, language advocacy, and bilingual education programs working to revitalize and preserve it. Although still endangered, efforts to promote the language through media, education, and regional government support have contributed to a slow but steady recovery.

If you want to learn more about the Breton language, Click here.

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If you would like to to read the 1st paragraph of the Breton Philosopher's Stone translation, Contact me!