Why I no longer speak Welsh (I speak Cymraeg)
But not the word "Welsh" please.
The phrase "to Welsh on a deal" reeks of xenophobia and has been an English phrase since the 1860s. But the word Wales [and Welsh] began as the Germanic word Walhaz (adj. Walhiska), used 2000 years ago to describe Celtic/Gallic people on the edges of the Roman Empire. History shows it to be an enduring and derogatory label. It meant 'others’, 'foreigners', 'aliens' and sometimes 'slaves' too. The people inhabited Galicia (Spain), Valais/Wallis (Switzerland), Wallonia (Belgium), Gaul (see below), Wallachia (Romania), Galatia (Turkey from as early as 279 BCE) and Galloway (Scotland). The G, C and W/V have mutated variously. Wallachia is described as a 'Principality'. But don't let me be distracted by 'Principality', a word used by the UK Establishment to deny Cymru its nationhood, just as the nation of Kernow (Cernyw, Cornwall) is supposedly a Duchy. But what's in a name? Quite a lot by the sound of it.
In 'O' level Latin I allegedly studied, but was bored senseless by, Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars ('Commentarii de Bello Gallico') fought between Caesar and the people of Gaul from 58 to 50BCE. If, 54 years ago, I had understood the significance, I would have been more motivated. I failed Latin miserably, as I did History too. Any historical inaccuracies in this blog should consequently be treated gently. Thank you.
A related personal name, Wallace is of the same origin as is that of former Polish president (1990-1995), Lech Wałęsa, electrician and 'dissident'. Another freedom fighter was William Wallace (1270-1305) (Uilleam Uallas in Scots Gaelic; William le Waleys in Norman French) in the first war of Scottish independence. It is likely the name entered Scotland via the ancient Brythonic kingdom of Ystrad Clud (5th to 11th century, now Strathclyde) of yr Hen Ogledd (the 'Old North' in the language now known as Cymraeg). To my knowledge, most Wallaces are not revolutionary figures, but the name does illustrate the extent of the Walhiska journey.
Another word for the people of Gaul, 'Galli', from the Celtic word 'gal' for power, ability or courage, is still in use in Breton, in Irish, and in Cymraeg as 'gallu'. Cymru is Pays du Galles in French: 'nation of the powerful and able' maybe? In the 4th-century, historian Marcellinus described the Galli as having red hair, frighteningly savage eyes, gnashing teeth and swinging fists, the women more so than the men. In other words, powerful people. We'll leave that one there.
The interconnected words Wales, Gales, Gaul and Celt interestingly seem to vary in their derogatory use across time and place, and in the degree of ownership by those described. Travelling on the Centovalli Railway between Domodossola (Italy) and Locarno (Switzerland) a few years ago, I chatted with a local man tearfully revisiting his family home in the 'Hundred Valleys' after many years away. Memorably, he was in no doubt that he was a Celt, just as his village was Celtic. No connotations, just pride in asserting his identity. As if to say “We are still here”.
Nevertheless, the people of Cymru (y Cymry = 'the Comrades') have clearly long been cast as foreigners in their own lands, just as with the Galli. The imperialistic zietgeist of an Anglo-centric UK is shifting, thanks in no small part to the intention of the Wales football team to henceforth be named "Cymru" on the world stage. The international profile is helped too by the purchase by Netflix of 'Cymru Noir' tv series. Cool Cymru. What were often pre-colonial names have been reclaimed in many places. Uluru ( formerly Ayers Rock), Chennai (formerly Madras) and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) are well-known examples.
This is why I no longer live in Wales. I live in Cymru. And dwi'n siarad Cymraeg.
Cymru am byth!
Links
Wales, Galicia, Celts and the Dying Gaul - Spain in English (spainenglish.com)
Gallia (disambiguation) - Wikipedia
Wales Etymology: What's the Origin of "Welsh" | Old-Engli.sh
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I look forward to your comments. Also it would be nice to know where you are in the world. Thanks for reading.