Yearly Archives: 2017

PUBLIC MEETING IN LLANBED: NEW HOPE FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Poster Llanbedr Pont Steffan

We will be holding a Public Meeting at the vestry of Capel Brondeifi in Llanbed on the 17th November at 7 p.m., with Heini Gruffudd, Cynog Dafis, and our special guest, Ben Lake MP. There will be a warm welcome, so if you’re in the area, do please join us.

This meeting is part of Dyfodol’s programme to hold public meeting across Wales.

One aim of these meetings is to gain information from local communities; what helps the Welsh language locally? What are the challenges?

Another aim is to present to you how Dyfodol I’r iaith wish to see thing develop. We want to prioritise the promotion of the Welsh language in the community, the home and the workplace, so that Welsh speakers are given the opportunity to use the language.

Currently, and perhaps for the last half century, the emphasis has been on gaining status for the language and the rights of the individual. By now, we must change the emphasis to concentrate on creating opportunities for Welsh speakers to use the language.

Since its foundation 5 years ago, Dyfydol i’r Iaith has seen many of its recommendations accepted, including:

  • The founding of a dozen Welsh Language Centres
  • Establishing a National Centre for Welsh for Adults
  • The inclusion of the Welsh language in planning legislation
  • Establishing a second Welsh radio channel
  • £2 million to promote the Welsh language

The next major step will be for the Welsh government to establish a body with responsibility for leading on language planning and promotion. This is the theme of a white paper recently produced by the government, and we hope to see this body established by 2020.

The major theme for the next 20 years will be to see more Welsh speakers, and just as importantly, to facilitate opportunities for people to use the language.

This cannot happen without careful planning and creative action. Neither can it come about under the current situation, where political changes can disrupt plans, and local authorities and other bodies remain complacent.

As a lobbying group, which influences government, Dyfodol i’r Iaith needs your support, and attracting new members will naturally be another aim of this meeting.

We look forward to working together powerfully and creatively.

A THANK YOU TO ALUN DAVIES

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have written to Alun Davies, thanking him for his creative leadership during his time as Minister with responsibility for the Welsh language.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said, “During Alun Davies’s time as Minister, the Welsh Government has shown its willingness to take action in two areas of great importance to the Welsh language. The first being the intention to extend Welsh medium education, and the second, the presentation of a white paper which will allow the Government to give priority to the promotion of the Welsh language in the community and the workplace.”

“At the same time, we welcome Eluned Morgan to the post, and look forward to seeing the Government’s wishes being realised under her leadership.”

Dyfodol i’r Iaith have from the start suggested that the Government establish a body to be responsible for language planning and promotion. This body would develop expertise and form partnerships with local authorities and other organisations. The body could also take the lead on community and workplace projects with a focus on increasing the usage of the Welsh language. One of the advantages of such a body, following its foundation as part of the next Language Measure, would be to ensure consistent action, irrespective of whatever party may be in power.