Enter Saint Piran, the patron saint of tin miners, whose feast day on 5^th March is a time for celebrations, community spirit, and copious black-and-white flag waving. But what if we told you there’s another way to honour Cornwall’s rich heritage?

Yes, we’re talking about learning Cornish. Although some people still question its relevance in 2025, despite its welcome comeback.

Is There a Case for Learning Cornish in the 21st Century?

Cornish (or Kernewek) has made an incredible revival, especially when you think it fell so far from grace it was actually declared extinct in the 18th century. But now, it’s very much alive and kicking, thanks to passionate evangelisers, community initiatives, and language courses.

“Kernewek is being learned by more than 4,000 pupils in 23 schools across the county,” claimed Language Magazine’s article Cornish Making a Comeback. “The language has also gained a boost in popularity due to the success of Welsh-Cornish singer Gwenno and Cornish comedian Kernow King.”

And it’s not just for the love of the language alone.

The Perks of Cornish Language Knowledge

What about the many and varied benefits that go hand in hand with learning Cornish?

• It’s fun – Learning the Cornish language is an exciting experience for children and adults alike.

• It’s brain-boosting – Learning Cornish improves memory, focus, and creative thinking.

• It deepens cultural connection – Understanding Cornish heritage and its place in UK history helps you appreciate other languages and traditions too.

• It builds confidence – Cornish lessons involve owning your mistakes and celebrating small wins. It’s all part of the learning path.

Learn Cornish in the 2020s

Why not go beyond raising a toast to Cornwall on Saint Piran’s Day?

At la Academia, you’ll find bespoke options for learning Cornish and keeping this brilliant language thriving for generations to come.

Yew gena? Get in touch for more information.

Since then, the pandemic lockdowns that sparked a collective and voracious appetite for language learning were a key contributory factor to its reignition.

As language learning shifted online at an unprecedented scale, Cornish language lessons became accessible for people everywhere, not just Cornish residents.

Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor told BBC News : “We are committed to encouraging the use of the Cornish language as a unique cultural asset which underpins the distinctiveness of Cornwall and has an important part to play in our cultural, economic and social life.” 

And what better time than Cornish Pasty Week on 27^th February to 5^th March, the official celebration of a true Cornish icon, to tuck in to the reasons why Cornish language lessons are the dish of the day for so many people.

What Makes Cornish Language Lessons a Tempting Proposition?

• Fun – Learning Cornish doesn’t have to be mind-numbing when you’ve got an engaging teacher and a good bunch of fellow students to share the experience with.

• Cognitive – It’s a scientific fact that learning a new language sharpens your concentration, creativity, and memory, supercharging your brain power.

• Cultural – Getting to grips with Cornish also takes you on a cultural journey through the history and traditions of the UK’s best-loved coastal paradise.

• Developmental – Language learning is one of the best forms of personal development. It requires you to step out of your comfort zone, where most great things happen. So, you get a real sense of self-satisfaction from pushing through the tough times to a decent level of fluency.

At La Academia, we offer in-person and online learning options for ALL languages, from the most wildly popular ones to the more obscure. Get in touch if Cornish language lessons are tickling your tastebuds this year.