Breton identity

The Bretons suffer from an inferiority complex rooted in French cultural dominance. While experiencing cultural revival through music and traditions, they avoid political reflection about their identity. Breton nationalism remains intellectually coherent but disconnected from ordinary people’s daily concerns, lacking the political strategy needed for meaningful change in contemporary Brittany.

This study examines Brittany’s borders: external (sea as crossroads, disputed Loire-Atlantique separation) and internal (micro-countries, linguistic frontier). Despite Breton language decline, cultural boundaries persist through subjective identity construction. Historical borders like Loth’s Lines may still influence contemporary attitudes toward Breton culture, demonstrating how borders shape identities beyond their original functions.