How Edward Lhuyd studied the Celtic Language

Edward Lluhyd

For our message in a bottle issue, it was of significant importance for us to talk about the Celtic nations of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. In a world where global languages such as English dominate and are the lingua franca, the need to protect and preserve indigenous languages is so important like the Celtic languages of the British isles. While some may argue that focusing resources on preserving Celtic languages is unnecessary and arguing in the Senedd (Welsh parliament) is rampant; given the widespread use of English, others contend that these efforts are essential to restoring what was systematically suppressed over generations.

Historically, efforts to preserve Celtic languages have often been led by scholars and communities passionate about their heritage. Among these scholars, Edward Lhuyd (1659/60–1709) holds a particularly important place in the history of Celtic linguistics. Despite his significant contributions, Lhuyd remains less celebrated than he deserves, overshadowed by later scholars like Sir William Jones. Yet Lhuyd's work was ground breaking, particularly in his study of the Celtic languages.

A pioneering Welsh naturalist and philologist, Lhuyd was instrumental in the study of the Brythonic and Goidelic branches of Celtic languages, known respectively as P-Celtic and Q-Celtic. His travels across Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Ireland, and Scotland led to his monumental work, Archaeologia Britannica (1707), which remains a foundational text in the study of Celtic languages and cultures. In this work, Lhuyd identified the linguistic similarities between the Brythonic languages (Welsh, Cornish, Breton) and the Goidelic languages (Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx). His recognition that these languages shared a common origin was revolutionary for its time, laying the groundwork for future studies in historical linguistics.

Lhuyd also proposed that the Brythonic languages originated in Gaul (modern-day France) and that the Goidelic languages stemmed from the Iberian Peninsula. This theory was important in shaping our understanding of Celtic migration patterns and the Celtic linguistic evolution. His conclusion that the speakers of these languages were Celts provided a linguistic foundation for the cultural and historical identities of the modern Celtic nations. Today, his research continues to inform our understanding of Celtic identity and language, particularly in terms of how these languages survived - and, in many cases, thrived - despite centuries of marginalisation.

One of Lhuyd’s most significant contributions was his study of Early Modern Cornish, which he published in 1702. By examining the changes in the structure and grammar of Cornish, he provided insights into how the language had evolved from its medieval roots. This work was part of a larger effort to preserve and document the Cornish language, which had been under threat of extinction for many years. Lhuyd’s dedication to studying Cornish, alongside Welsh and other Celtic languages, reflects his broader mission to protect the linguistic heritage of the Celtic nations.

Although scholars such as Sir William Jones often receive the lion's share of credit for advancing the study of languages, it is important to recognize the foundational work of figures like Edward Lhuyd. His contributions to Celtic linguistics were not only innovative but also crucial in preserving the cultural identities of the Celtic nations. Without his work, much of what we know about the history and development of these languages might have been lost.

In our opinion the preservation of Celtic languages is not just for academics - it is a vital aspect of maintaining the cultural identity of the Celtic nations. Scholars like Edward Lhuyd understood this well, dedicating their lives to documenting and preserving these languages for future generations. As the world continues to change and evolve, it is important to remember that language is more than just words. For the Celtic nations, it is a symbol of our resilience, history, and identity. Whether in Wales, Ireland, Scotland, or beyond, the fight to preserve these languages is a fight to preserve the soul of the Celtic people. No matter what the opposition of the Senedd says.