Misyow yn Kernow: mis Genver (January)
Bledhen Nowydh Da! If it’s still appropriate to say it, happy new(ish) year! It is the time of year where some people like to make resolutions, whether it be with health, future goals or general happiness! During the first month of 2020, many people have decided to set out a twenty-twenty, clear vision of how they want their year and their lives to move forward. In Cornish, the number twenty is very important – we count in twenties. For example, thirty is called ‘deg warn ugens’, which translates as ‘ten on the twenty’ and forty is ‘dew ugens’, meaning ‘two twenties’, sixty is ‘tri ugens’, three twenties and so on. In our lives, the year 2020 seems just as important, with the opportunity of a new beginning and the chance to start again.
Keep fit
One of the more popular types of resolution for many people after the wonderful indulgence of the Christmas season is health-related. I have noticed many people this month have begun to ‘ponya’ (run) or ‘goresek’ (jog) around the streets of Hellys (Helston), my hometown. Many have renewed their gym membership to work on their ‘keherennow’ (muscles) or to improve their ‘yeghes korfek’ (physical fitness). Some prefer to ‘neuvya’ (swim) and some would rather attend a ‘klass donsya’ (dance class) to keep fit and have fun. A lot of people decide to eat more ‘frooth’ (fruit) and ‘losow-kegin’ (vegetables) or to stop drinking ‘las’ (alcohol).
New Year, New Goals
Maybe your new year’s resolution has been related to your future goals, academic studies or career. Have you tried to spend more time ‘ow skrifa’ (writing) or ‘ow studhya’ (studying) for an ‘apposyans’ (examination)? Perhaps you have been considering a new ‘oberen’ (job) or honing a particular ‘sleyneth’ (skill). Maybe you have decided to be more careful with your ‘arghans’ (money) or begun to save up. Some people like to make improvements around the ‘chi’ (house) at this time of year, such as ‘tekhe’ (decorate), ‘ewnhe’ (fix) or ‘kempenna’ (tidy) through that messy cupboard.
2020 The Year of Happiness
My favourite type of resolutions revolve around personal wellbeing and ‘lowena’ (happiness). It could be spending more time with ‘kowetha’ (friends) or those you ‘kara’ (love). It is a great time to try a new ‘hobbi’ (hobby) or join a ‘para sport’ (sports team) like ‘pel droos’ (football) or ‘rugbi’ (rugby). Reading more ‘lyvrow’ books or expressing your creativity through ‘lymna’ painting, ‘linenna’ (sketching), ‘bardhonieth’ (poetry) or ‘kana’ (singing) is a great way to prioritise your happiness.
Great Outdoors
This year, my resolution is to spend more time ‘yn-mes’ (outdoors), taking nice long walks with my ‘ki’ (dog) on the ‘treth’ (beach). As great as Cornwall can be in the ‘hav’ (summer), the blustery winter walks are my favourite, with the beach to myself and the salty ‘awel’ (wind) whipping away any January blues. I am also keen to appreciate our natural world more and make an effort to be more environmentally friendly.
Ha Ty?
And you? Do you have any resolutions? Whether you have a 2020 vision or not, it is clear to see that we are all just doing our best. Perhaps by keeping that view of others in mind, it will be easier to be kind – and that’s a resolution we can all stick to!
by Juliet Robertson