Kroeder Kroghen - Cornish Radio Show 03-04-1988 (Reel-to-Reel, 1988)
The story of the Cornish language, Kernewek, is one of resilience and revival, a testament to the enduring spirit of a linguistic heritage often overshadowed by its Celtic counterparts. As we journey through the history of this ancient language, we begin in the early 1980s when the revival movement took its first steps toward rekindling the Cornish flame.
In 1983, a milestone moment occurred when BBC Radio Cornwall initiated its support for the Cornish language. Broadcasting just two minutes of Cornish every week, the station sent a message of acknowledgment and encouragement to those dedicated to its preservation. This modest introduction marked the beginning of a long and evolving journey for Kernewek.
The turning point came in 1987 when BBC Radio Cornwall dedicated over 15 precious minutes of airtime on Sunday mornings to a groundbreaking program titled "Kroeder Kroghen," meaning "Holdall." Hosted by the dedicated John King, this program brought Cornish language and culture to the forefront. For several years, it became a symbol of hope for language enthusiasts and served as a gathering point for the Cornish-speaking community.
As the 1990s dawned, "Kroeder Kroghen" was eventually retired, but the commitment to the Cornish language endured. It transformed into a five-minute news bulletin named "An Nowodhow," meaning "The News." Every Sunday evening, this bulletin became a cherished source of information for the community. Rod Lyon and later Elizabeth Stewart became the trusted voices delivering news in Kernewek. Currently, a team of dedicated individuals carries on this tradition in rotation, ensuring the language's place in the modern media landscape.
In 1998, Pirate FM, a commercial radio station, joined the efforts to promote the Cornish language by running short bulletins on Saturday lunchtimes. This collaboration amplified the reach of Kernewek and brought its sounds to a broader audience.
The digital age brought new opportunities for language preservation and dissemination. In 2006, Matthew Clarke, who had previously presented the Kernewek bulletin on Pirate FM, launched a pioneering web-streamed news bulletin called "Nowodhow an Seythen" (Weekly News). This online platform expanded the reach of the Cornish language beyond traditional radio broadcasting.
The culmination of digital efforts occurred in 2008 when Matthew Clarke merged "Nowodhow an Seythen" into a new weekly magazine podcast titled "Radyo an Gernewegva" (RanG). This podcast offered a diverse range of content, including news, interviews, cultural insights, and language lessons, making it an indispensable resource for those passionate about Kernewek.
BBC Radio Cornwall's pioneering initiatives, Pirate FM's collaboration, and the digital innovation of Matthew Clarke all played pivotal roles in revitalizing Kernewek. Today, the language continues to thrive and grow, ensuring that the unique cultural and linguistic identity of Cornwall remains a vital part of the region's heritage.