Establishing Canolfannau Cymraeg – Welsh Language Centres – in areas that have seen English becoming the main language is key to reviving the language in those areas.  This is claimed by Dyfodol i’r Iaith as plans for Welsh Centres are becoming a reality in Llanelli and other areas.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of  Dyfodol i’r Iaith said, “With the decline of traditional establishments that gave the Welsh language a community context, it has become ever more important that communities in Wales are served by centres that make it possible for local people to socialise and to enjoy activities through the Welsh language.”

“Canolfannau Cymraeg give learners a chance to use the language informally, and an opportunity for young people to enjoy Welsh life outside the education system.”

“Models of Canolfannau Cymraeg in Swansea and Merthyr Tudful have proven that they can succeed to become a hub for Welsh life.  Welsh language movements, Welsh for Adults, the Mentrau Iaith and local authorities cooperating can be a key to success, but it is equally important that local volunteers are central to the venture.”

“It’s great that the Government is providing capital grants to support the Canolfannau Cymraeg in many parts of Wales.  The aim is for these to expand in numbers and to become centres of language learning and socialising, like the 200 or so centres in the Basque Country.”

“Together they can contribute creatively to transforming the language in anglicized areas.”

Local authorities should use the reorganisation of local government to expand the use of Welsh as the language of work.  This is claimed by Dyfodol i’r Iaith, as local authorities in Wales present their plans for merger this month to the Minister for Local Government.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith said, “The reorganisation presents a golden opportunity to expand Welsh as the language of work. Gwynedd has set an example of how to do this, and councils should now merge according to their linguistic makeup.”

“This means that it is appropriate for Ynys Môn, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire to be part of an arrangement which will make Welsh the language of most workers of the new local authorities in their area,  extending from the coast of south Wales to the north Wales coast.”

“This would give thousands of Welsh workers the chance to use the language daily, and this would have a positive effect on the use of Welsh by everyone who deals with these councils.”

He added, “Expanding the use of Welsh should be one of the main priorities in the reorganisation.”