What do Bretons speak?
Quick answer
This page answers What do Bretons speak? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Bretons speak Breton, also known as Brezhoneg, which is a Celtic language and one of the six extant Celtic languages, closely related to Cornish and Welsh. The Breton language is traditionally spoken in Brittany, a region in northwestern France, although the majority of Bretons now speak French as their native language.
Introduction to the Breton Language
The Breton language has a rich history and culture, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. Despite being a severely endangered language, Breton is still spoken by around 200,000 people today, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote the language.
FAQs about the Breton Language
General Questions
- Are Bretons French or Celtic?: Bretons are Celts who live in north-west France, with a distinct cultural and linguistic identity.
- Are Bretons Welsh or Irish?: While Bretons are not Welsh or Irish, their language, Breton, is closely related to Cornish and Welsh, and more distantly to Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
- Does anyone still speak Breton?: Yes, around 200,000 people still speak Breton, although the number of speakers has declined significantly over the years.
Language and Culture
- How do you say hello in Breton?: You can say “Demat” (hello), “Degemer mat” (welcome), or “Noz vat” (good evening) in Breton.
- Why is Breton dying out?: Breton became a severely endangered language due to decades of suppression at the hands of the French educational system.
- What do Bretons look like?: Bretons are often described as having a slender build, narrow face, pointed chin, deep eyes, and a pronounced brow.
History and Origins
- What race are Bretons based on?: Bretons are a real-life culture and subgroup from France, but in the context of fantasy games, they are often depicted as a mix of Celtic and French cultures.
- Why are they called Bretons?: The term “Breton” refers to the inhabitants of Brittany, a region in northwestern France, and is derived from the Celtic word for “Britain”.
- What are Bretons mixed with?: In fantasy games, Bretons are often depicted as a mix of Aldmeri and Nedic or Atmoran blood, with a strong Celtic influence.
Physical Characteristics
- Are Bretons tall or short?: Male Bretons are generally of average height, while female Bretons are slightly shorter.
- What color are Bretons’ hair?: Bretons often have lighter brown or blond hair, with a tendency towards round facial features.
- Do Bretons have elf ears?: In some fantasy games, Bretons are depicted as having elf-like features, including pointed ears.
Language and Linguistics
- Is Breton similar to Irish?: Breton is a Celtic language and shares linguistic affinities with other Celtic languages, including Irish, **Scottish Gaelic”, and *Welsh*.
- Is Breton a dead language?: Although Breton is considered a severely endangered language, it is not yet extinct, with around 200,000 people still speaking the language.
- Can Bretons be black?: While there is no such thing as a “black Breton” in the classical sense, people of African descent can certainly learn and speak the Breton language.