The Truth! was Re: ,Language' in language name?

Am 28.11.01, John Cowan yscrifef:

> Padraic Brown wrote:
>
> > I had wondered why Kerno stuck out like a sore
> > thumb in the midst of *brit- derived names all around; and was happy,
> > or at least satisfied to at last discover the truth.
>
>
> I missed that: what *is* the truth?  I thought they used Kerno/Kernu
> because there are lots of other kinds of Britons and British
> langs around,
That is the case, and (especially anymore) many are pleased to be so
distinguished with a non brit- name. The truth lies in two places.

First, the old Latin formulas LICITER CORNO VERBO and NULLO CORNO
VERBO refer to where the ancient nonlatin Cornish language could be
used (in court, etc.). After it died out, the usage was expanded to
indicate the Roman vernaculars, collectively known as Cornish; and now
refer to forn tongues like Brithenig, English, French, etc.

On the other hand, the official name of Kerno (as found in early
church documents and continuing in government and popular usage) was
Bretadnecca, or "British". This latter name continued in everyday use
until the 19th century. The parade of separatism, cultural and
linguistic rennaisance and a renewed sense of provincial political
power was the ultimate impetus for the resurrection of "Corno".

Padraic.
--
Bethez gwaz vaz ha leal.