- Basse-Bretagne
Basse-Bretagne ("Breizh Izel" in Breton) denotes the parts of
Brittany west ofPloërmel , where theBreton language was traditionally spoken, and where the culture associated with this language is most prolific. The name is in contra-distinction toHaute-Bretagne , the eastern part of Brittany, of predominantly Romance culture.History
The Naming
Other
région s divide up into "Basse" ("lower") and "Haute" ("upper") areas - for example Basse-Lorraine, Bas-Poitou ,Basse-Normandie . The upper and lower terms refer to the relative positions of the capital. In the case of Brittany,Nantes andRennes have both been the capital. The French word "bas" has sometimes negative connotations, often implying "inferior".The term "Breizh Izel" is mentioned numerous times in Breton songs of the 19th century and 20th century, possibly because the Breton word "Izel" holds no negative connotations.
The Frontier of Basse and Haute-Bretagne
Having been based on linguistic domains, the frontier corresponds very roughly to administrative border policies. It had already been established by the 14th century, and has changed only slightly since, hand in hand with the pushing back of the Breton language.
In 1588, the
historian Bertrand d'Argentré defined the border as running from the outskirts ofBinic southwards down toGuérande , leaving the communes ofLoudéac ,Josselin ,Malestroit in Haute Bretagne. In 1886,Paul Sébillot moved the frontier deeper into Breton territory, the line then running fromPlouha toBatz-sur-Mer . Maps in the 17th century favour the latter.External links
"In French"
* [http://gallica.bnf.fr/scripts/ConsultationTout.exe?O=07710256 Carte de 1695, présentant la limite]
* [http://perso.wanadoo.fr/fanch.broudic/PAJENN/Lalimite.html À la recherche de la frontière] Présentation du livre deFañch Broudic ISBN 2-906373-44-3
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