See the link below for the full submission sent to the Welsh Government in response to the White Paper consultation in preparation for the Welsh Language Bill
Dyfodol’s response to the White Paper consultation (Welsh Language Bill)
Reply
Monthly Archives: October 2017
Meeting with the Welsh Language Minister: Dyfodol stresses the need for robust structures as part of the Welsh Language Bill to promote and defend the language
As part of the consultation on the Welsh Language White Paper, representatives from Dyfodol recently met with Alun Davies, the Welsh Language Minister and his civil servants.
The meeting was very positive, and provided Dyfodol with another opportunity to stress the importance of establishing robust structures to promote the Welsh language across all experiences and sectors, with the specific aim of increasing its use in informal day-to-day situations. This principle of promotion remains our priority, but at the same time time, we also wish to see the enforcement of the language being strengthened, simplified, and expanded to new areas. Striking this balance, along with efficient planning and adequate funding, is essential to the success of the Government’s Welsh Language Strategy.
The Minister and civil servants’ comments were heartening, but we must remember that this is a process, and that we must continue to lobby for structures that are strong and independent enough, and which utilise the necessary expertise to ensure an increase in the number of Welsh speakers and the opportunities to use the language.
There is a link below which will allow you to send a respnse to the White Paper consultation. We would urge you to make the most of this convenient opportunity to respond (the closing date is 31/10/17), and to press for a foundation and a framework which will support the growth of the Welsh language over the coming years. You can send your response by email to: [email protected]
S4C REVIEW: DYFODOL CALLS FOR A STATEMENT TO PROMOTE THE WELSH LANGUAGE
In response to the S4C review, Dyfodol i’r Iaith has emphasised the channel’s rôle in work of promoting the Welsh language. The organisation has called for the adoption of a statement based on New Zeland’s Maori Television committment to contribute to the future success of the Maori language.
Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said: “Working on the basis of such a statement across all the channel’s output would set a strong mission for the service in relation to the Welsh language, and would place all the channel’s work at the heart of the effort to strengthen the language.”
The organisation stresses that funding is essential if the channel is to promote the Welsh language robustly. S4C must be granted the freedom to expand and innovate within a rapidly changing market, and thus attract new audiences in Wales and beyond.
In order to innovate and develop confidently, the channel has to be adequately and consistently funded. Editorial independence is of key importance, but care must be taken at the same time to ensure that any new structures and arrangements do not compromise its future financial security.