Monthly Archives: May 2016

ANNOUNCING ELECTION RESULTS: DYFODOL CALLS FOR MORE CONSIDERATION FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE

Reply

Following the announcement of the Assembly election results last Friday morning, Dyfodol i’r Iaith has written to the Welsh Language Commissioner to ask for more clarity regarding the expectations in relation to the Welsh language.

As the results came in, it became clear that there was significant variation in the emphasis given to the Welsh language and in the standard of the Welsh that was heard. Although it is always commendable to hear learners use the language, some announcers seemed to have great difficulty with the language; on other occasions, the results were announced in full through the medium of English, leaving the Welsh as an afterthought, with media commentators speaking over it.

It is of key importance that the Welsh language is heard and respected on public occasions such as this, and Dyfodol have asked the Commissioner for clarification regarding which language standards are relevant in relation to announcing election results. The organisation has also requested that the Commissioner draw up clear guidelines, in order to avoid any future inconsistencies.

 

CARMARTHENSHIRE’S WELSH IN EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN; DYFODOL’S RESPONSE

Reply

Wyn Thomas on behalf of Dyfodol i’r Iaith has responded to Carmarthenshire’s Welsh in Education Plan. The main points of our response can be summarised as follows:

Dyfodol i’r Iaith welcomes a coordinated and detailed Strategy which attempts to tackle all aspects of the development of the Welsh language within the county’s education system.

Targets need to be reached through thorough support and monitoring.

The English -medium system which fails to deliver the best education for pupils in Carmarthenshire needs to be targeted in particular.

Above all, the advantages of the Welsh language need to be marketed. There are moral and cultural reasons to learn our indigenous language. But, by now, there is a significant amount of robust educational research which proves that bilingual pupils worldwide develop important skills to levels that are beyond monoglot pupils. Why therefore persist with schools and streams that do not offer these advantages?

Dyfodol i’r Iaith supports the Strategy and hopes that the process of providing the best education for the county’s pupils continues and gains momentum in the near future.

 

A NEW GOVERNMENT: DYFODOL LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

3

With a new Government elected, Dyfodol i’r Iaith will continue to work to ensure a central position for the Welsh language in all policy areas. As the next chapter unfolds, the organisation be aiming to build upon past successes and ensure new gains for the language.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said, “We look forward to working with the new Government to ensure that priority is given to positive work in favour of the Welsh language.”

There will be an opportunity to hear more and to discuss the organisation’s programme over the next five years at Dyfodol’s next public meeting. The meeting will be held at 7 o’clock on Tuesday May 10th at Tŷ Tawe, Swansea, and a warm welcome is extended to all.