Life in the UK Test
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Regional and minority languages

Study note

English is the main language of the UK, but a number of other languages are spoken in different parts of the country. These reflect the long and varied history of the four nations and their regions, and several are still in use today.

The regional and minority languages include Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic and Scots in Scotland, Irish Gaelic and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland, and Cornish in Cornwall, which is in the south west of England. Each of these belongs to a particular part of the UK rather than being spoken everywhere.

For the test, you may be asked to identify one of these languages or its home. Cornish, for example, is the traditional language of Cornwall. Welsh and Scottish Gaelic are common correct answers, while languages such as Latin, Spanish, German and Esperanto are wrong answers because they are not native regional languages of the UK.

Memory tip: Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Irish Gaelic and Cornish all sit alongside English.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

In which part of the UK is Cornish a traditional regional language?

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Show all questions and answers for Regional and minority languages(3 questions with explanations)

Regional and minority languages: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which part of the UK is Cornish a traditional regional language?

    • Northern Ireland
    • Cornwall
    • Scotland
    • Wales

    Correct answer: Cornwall

    Cornish is a traditional language of Cornwall, in the south west of England.

  2. 2. Select TWO languages, besides English, that are spoken in parts of the UK.

    • Latin
    • Esperanto
    • Welsh
    • Scottish Gaelic

    Correct answer: Welsh and Scottish Gaelic

    Welsh and Scottish Gaelic are among the languages spoken in parts of the UK alongside English.

  3. 3. Besides Welsh and Scottish Gaelic, which of these is a regional language spoken in the UK?

    • Dutch
    • Cornish
    • German
    • Spanish

    Correct answer: Cornish

    Cornish is one of the regional languages spoken in the UK, alongside Welsh and Gaelic.

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