# Overview of the Breton Language ## General Information - **Name**: Breton (Brezhoneg) - **Language Family**: Celtic, part of the Brythonic branch - **Region**: Brittany (Breizh), France ## Historical Background - **Origins**: Breton is derived from the Brythonic Celtic languages that were spoken in Great Britain. It arrived in Brittany with settlers from Britain during the early medieval period. - **First Documented Evidence**: The earliest written examples of Breton date back to the 8th century. ## Linguistic Features - **Dialects**: There are three main dialects of Breton: - **Gouèze** (Western) - **Kerne** (Central) - **Leoneg** (Eastern) - **Alphabet**: The modern Breton alphabet uses the Latin script with some diacritics. ## Current Status - **Speakers**: Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 speakers as of recent estimates. - **Recognition**: Breton is recognized as a regional language in France, but it does not hold official status. - **Revitalization Efforts**: There are ongoing initiatives to promote the language, including bilingual education and media in Breton. ## Cultural Significance - **Literature and Music**: Breton has a rich oral tradition, including folklore, songs, and poetry. Contemporary literature and music often embrace the language. - **Festivals**: Events like Fest-Noz (night festivals) celebrate Breton culture and often feature music and dance in the Breton language. ## Challenges - **Decline**: The number of native speakers has declined significantly due to historical policies and the dominance of French. - **Education**: Breton is not widely taught in schools, although there are some bilingual programs and immersion schools. ## Conclusion Breton is a vibrant Celtic language with a rich history and cultural heritage, facing challenges in the modern age but supported by revitalization efforts and community engagement.