An Introduction to Breton Grammar #224216

The principal object which influenced the writer in bringing out this small volume was a need — admitted to exist by not a few competent to form an Opinion for some simple exposition in English of the Grammar of the Breton Language, which would be of service to that large and rapidly growing section of the British race which desires an acquaintance with the literature and language of their Armorican relatives in Little Britain. Of this section a considerable proportion have been deterred by their imperfect knowledge of the third language hitherto essential to such acquaintance. And this definition of its scope may be said to determine the limits of its 'sphere of influence,' for the writer makes no pretence to have compiled a treatise by the mastery of which, the tyro could be justified in supposing him self fully equipped for the purpose of sustaining a con versation in the Breton language. It will rather seek to demonstrate by rule and paradigm — many of the former strangely familiar on t/zz's side of the Channel — the high degree of excellence attained by this ancient tongue, and its faithfulness to its Celtic origin; and that too, despite both its complete isolation from its con geners in Great Britain, as well as the repressive efforts put forth from time to time, directly and indirectly, to deprive this language of its very existence.