# Language news, Friday, 6 November 2026

Compiled by Richard Brooks's language news desk. Canonical: https://richard-brooks.com/language-news/2026-11-06/

## Ancient DNA traces Celtic languages to Bronze Age Czechia

Culture. Two Nature papers led by Leiden and Copenhagen use 4,587 ancient genomes to favour a central European origin for Celtic over the Atlantic theory. Authors and outside experts stress DNA cannot show what anyone spoke.

Source: Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03581-3

## Scottish Borders Council backs its first Gaelic-medium primary class for 2027

Education. The Borders has no Gaelic-medium schooling, and 18 families asked for it. Whether the Tweeddale class opens now rests on recruiting qualified Gaelic teachers and at least 75% ongoing Scottish Government funding.

Source: Scottish Borders Council, https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/news/article/5049/plans-backed-for-gaelic-medium-primary-education-in-the-scottish-borders