Common Brittonic
Common Brittonic is the reconstructed Celtic language believed to have been historically spoken by the Celtic Britons across Britain and parts of Brittany. It serves as the common ancestor to the later Brittonic languages and is a critical component in understanding the linguistic evolution of the British Isles.
Origins and Evolution
Common Brittonic is a form of Insular Celtic, which descends from Proto-Celtic, a hypothesized parent language that began diverging into different dialects and languages around the first half of the first millennium BC. The influence of the Latin language during the Roman period is evident in Common Brittonic, particularly in terms related to the church and Christianity.
Influence and Division
Following the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD, Common Brittonic competed with Latin, especially in major settlements. Over time, Common Brittonic began dividing into various forms, resulting in the creation of distinct languages, including Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. These languages reflect the geographic and political changes that occurred in the region.
Pritenic and Pictish Connections
The term Pritenic was coined by Kenneth H. Jackson in 1955 to describe a hypothetical predecessor to the Pictish language, thought to have diverged from Brittonic around 75–100 AD. However, the term has been the subject of debate, with linguist Guto Rhys in 2015 arguing against the notion that Pictish diverged significantly from Brittonic before 500 AD.
Dialects and Development
Common Brittonic eventually bifurcated into two major dialects during the Early Middle Ages: Western Brittonic and Southwestern Brittonic. The Western dialect gave rise to Welsh and Cumbric, while the Southwestern branch led to the development of Cornish and Breton. Cumbric is an extinct language once spoken in the Hen Ogledd, or "Old North," of Northern England and Southern Scotland.
The Neo-Brittonic Period
As the distinct Brittonic languages evolved, a period known as Neo-Brittonic emerged. During this time, languages continued to adapt and develop, influenced by outside forces and internal shifts within the Celtic-speaking communities.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
The legacy of Common Brittonic is profound, providing critical insights into the history and cultural development of the Celtic peoples in the British Isles. Its influence is still observed in place names, linguistic structures, and cultural traditions across regions historically inhabited by Celtic Britons.