Exercise 34
Client:
What class did you learn Cornish in?
Powl:
I didn’t learn the language in a class. Often I have to work in the evening. I couldn’t go to a class regularly. I taught myself, and practised in my office on colleagues, and with my family every weekend. My wife and children speak Cornish among themselves, so listening is an easy matter, and sometimes I can chat myself in Cornish together with my wife and children.
Client:
Ah, I see! There’s no Cornish at all in my family, and I can’t learn on my own.
Powl:
Have you tried seriously? Desky Kernowek by Nicholas Williams is an excellent book for self-study learners. Or you can use the Cara Kernowek series on line.
Client:
No no. I’d rather put myself in a class under a qualified teacher. I’m getting ready to do an exam.
Powl:
Well, it seems to me your Cornish is already very good.
Client:
In our class we talk Cornish throughout the lesson. Every time. It’s an effective method for building confidence.
Exercise 35
Elen:
There you are! You’ve come home. On time! Very good. Where did you go?
Demelsa:
We were in the cinema.
Elen:
And what was the film like?
Demelsa:
Not bad. But the first in the series was better. And the ending was very silly. After that we went to have a burger.
Elen:
Oh Demelsa! Weren’t you trying to lose weight?
Demelsa:
I have lost two kilos! We shared a burger, the two of us, without fries. And we had a salad with it. We turned down a milkshake.
Elen:
Maybe you can go jogging before the weekend. Mark plays football every day. It’s a pity you won’t do more sport, yourself …
Demelsa:
Netball twice a week. And tomorrow I shall do half an hour on the exercise bike.
Exercise 36
Head Teacher:
Demelsa, your Cornish is totally fluent, isn’t it?
Demelsa:
We always speak Cornish at home.
Head Teacher:
And next year, of course, you’ll be in the Sixth Form.
Demelsa:
To study physics, chemistry and maths. If the GCSEs turn out well enough.
Head Teacher:
I’d be confident of that. In September I’m going to start a Cornish society in the school. Invite people to give talks in Cornish. Organize debates and lots of displays in the language. We’ll also be starting Cornish classes in activity time. I wonder: could you be the chairperson of this new society?
Demelsa:
Cornish doesn’t suit everyone in the school …
Head Teacher:
True. Cornish speakers are sometimes bullied, aren’t they? By children. By many of the teachers too? Well, we can attempt to change that. The society will be answerable to me. Personally. And backed by the Governors. Now my question to you is this: will you be its leader among the pupils?
Demelsa:
It’s a big question! Completely unexpected. I’m sorry, it’s difficult to give a prompt answer. I have to think about it.
Head Teacher:
Do that, Demelsa. Think about it, perhaps together with your Mother and Father.