Yearly Archives: 2019

DYFODOL CALL FOR THE PROTECTION OF WELSH AS AN ACADEMIC SUBJECT

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has expressed concern over the proposals to undermine the value of Welsh as an academic subject within Bangor and Cardiff Universities.

In the wake of pressure to make savings, proposals have been submitted to merge the School of Welsh with other language departments within Cardiff and to cut one post at professorial level in Bangor. Dyfodol has contacted the Vice-Chancellors of both Universities, asking them to reject these proposals for the sake of the language’s standing as a subject and an official national medium.

Eifion Lloyd-Jones on behalf of Dyfodol said; “These short-term proposals will send out a damaging long-term message regarding these institutions’ historical commitment to the Welsh language.”

“We must protect the independence and uniqueness of Welsh as an academic subject within our nation’s Universities and consider at the same time the significance of such proposals to the status and value of the language in a wider context – as our national, creative and community language.”

“We would stress the importance that these key institutions acknowledge and engage with their contribution to the future success of the Welsh language.”

 

DYFODOL WELCOME NECESSARY EXPENDITURE ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has welcomed the recent announcements made by the Welsh Government that over two and a half million pounds are to be spent on promoting the Welsh language within families, and that a further two million will go towards developing the economy of north and west Wales, the main strongholds of the language.

The organisation believes that both schemes address priorities that are essential to the future of the language.

Encouraging Welsh-speaking households is a challenge that must be addressed; indeed, Dyfodol argue that this is the main priority, since establishing Welsh as the family’s medium sets a linguistic pattern for children for the rest of their lives.

At the same time, the wider context must be considered, and the importance of a sound economy has to be acknowledged as a key factor in protecting the language as a natural medium within the community. This is essential if we are to avoid the outmigration of young people and create a social and cultural environment which favours and encourages the Welsh language.

The organisation has written to the Welsh Language Minister, looking forward to “seeing the Welsh Government developing these two essential areas as part of their long-term policy in relation to the Welsh language.”

 

A MESSAGE TO THE FIRST MINISTER: LANGUAGE PLANNING ESSENTIAL TO THE GROWTH OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have written to the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, expressing their concerns regarding public policy and the Welsh language.

Rejecting the Welsh Language Bill was a retrograde step, and instead of formulating an innovative approach to the needs of the language, there is now a danger that the focus will solely remain on regulation and language rights. Dyfodol is convinced that a more comprehensive approach and a robust strategic framework is need if the target of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is to be realised. This would be an arrangement which would give the language due regard across all policy areas and address the social and community factors relating to its learning and usage.

The organisation calls upon the Government to adopt the principles of Language Planning which would encompass the needs across a wide range of key areas, including; creating Welsh-speaking households, Welsh in the workplace, protecting and strengthening the language within its strongholds, and its development as a natural medium within the community.

In the absence of the kind of expansive body promised within the Welsh Language Bill, Dyfodol calls for the establishment of a Welsh Language Agency within the Government, which would provide strategic leadership and ensure continuity of policy. The organisation would wish the Welsh Language Commissioner to remain in charge of developing and regulating the language standards, and to take on the role of Statutory Consultee for the language in relation to planning issues.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“We are anxious to open and extend this discussion in a proactive and positive manner. This is a critical time for the Welsh language, and we cannot afford to lose this chance to adopt comprehensive structures and a language planning-based approach if we are to see the Welsh language flourish in the future.”