Website URL : http://www.magakernow.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=38581

Translation Service

Say it in Cornish!

Photo of a birthday greetings card in Cornish

Would you like to use some Cornish in your business, your workplace, leisure activities – in fact anywhere? Cornwall is special, and the use of our own language emphasises that distinctiveness. Lots of people are using Cornish at home and in business to show their pride in the place in which they live and work – why not join them? It isn't difficult and there is help at hand.

Q. I'd like to think about using Cornish – where do I start?

A. Think about how you would like to use Cornish, decide what you would like to have translated and contact MAGA for advice and help.

Q. Aren't there different forms of Cornish around?

A. There have been, and still are, a few different ways of spelling Cornish. None of these is incorrect and it is up to you which one you wish to use. All forms, however, are mutually intelligible in the same way as dialects within English.

In 2008 an agreement was reached on a Standard Written Form of Cornish for use in education and public life. This is the form of Cornish spelling we will use unless you request another form. If you would like a particular alternative spelling then we are happy to complete the translation accordingly.

Q. What now?

A. If you wish to use Cornish and need a translation, MAGA can help in the following ways.

If you have a small translation of under 40 words, send it to MAGA using the Online Translation Request Service and it will be processed free of charge. You should receive your completed translation within a week of sending it.

If it is a larger piece of work please contact MAGA either by phone on 01872 323497 or by e-mail at cornishlanguage@cornwall.gov.uk to discuss your requirements. We will then be able to assign a translator to complete your work. Depending on the complexity and size of the translation it may take longer than a week to process.

Q. Does it cost?

A. Short translations of under 40 words are provided as a service free of charge.

For larger pieces there may be a charge, to be negotiated with the translator. As with all translation, this will depend on the length and complexity of the translation and we will discuss it with you when we receive your request.

Q. How long will it take?

A. Translations usually take up to a week to process as they are checked by a second translator before being sent out. More complex translations may take longer than this, but we will advise you of this at the time.

Further information

For further help or discussion, please contact MAGA via the Contact us page or if you have a short translation of less than 40 words you can use the Online Translation Request Service.