Monthly Archives: June 2020

PLANNING THE REGENERATION OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE CONSULTATION DISCUSSION POINT 6: DEMOGRAPHY AND PLANNING

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The latest discussion point of our consultation on Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language is the demography of language and planning to support its growth.

As before, we would be very grateful to receive your comments, suggestions and any practical experience you may have. You are welcome to use the questions and template below or send your comments in any other format that suits you.

Below is a summary of Dyfodol’s demands in relation to demography and planning. If you would like to read the full text of Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language, a copy is available on our website, dyfodol.net

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our discussion. We look forward to hearing from you – do get in touch:

[email protected]

or telephone 01248 811798

 DISCUSSION POINT 6: DEMOGRAPHY AND TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING

 Dyfodol believes that:

Demography is the relationship between people and territory. The term is used here to cover several aspects – economy, housing, land use, town and country planning etc. – in relation to the Welsh language. This section is concerned with areas where the Welsh language is the normal medium of communication, mainly located in the west but including many other areas too. This is a complex and challenging field.

The linking of the western areas together as a region, Arfor, has been proposed so as to address their economic weaknesses and the haemorrhaging of young (often Welsh-speaking) talent from the area – one of the main contributors to the decline of the language. The Welsh Government have embraced the concept. Our view is that this vision should be developed as a key component in the general strategy for developing Wales as a confident and successful nation. The intention would be for the Arfor region to offer diverse and exciting career opportunities and encouragement for innovation and enterprise, so that young people can create their own futures within this region, by staying, returning or moving into the area. Tied to this would be the intention of protecting and strengthening the Welsh-speaking community and communities.

Town and country planning and housing policy would reflect and empower the needs of the region and its communities rather than serving the interests of powerful commercial developers and the current drive towards damaging and insensitive over-provision.   

 DO YOU AGREE WITH US? HAVE YOU ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON DEMOGRAPHY AND / OR PLANNING MATTERS?

 

PLANNING THE REGENERATION OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE CONSULTATION DISCUSSION POINT 5: CREATING WELSH SPEAKERS – PROMOTING LANGUAGE USE

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The latest discussion point of our consultation on Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language is how to promote the use of the language.

As before, we would be very grateful to receive your comments, suggestions and any practical experience you may have. You are welcome to use the questions and template below or send your comments in any other format that suits you.

Below is a summary of Dyfodol’s demands in relation to the role of the workplace. If you would like to read the full text of Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language, a copy is available on our website, dyfodol.net

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our discussion. We look forward to hearing from you – do get in touch:

[email protected]

or telephone 01248 811798

DISCUSSION POINT 5: PROMOTING LANGUAGE USE

Dyfodol believes that:

As we all know, it is one thing to ‘know’ Welsh, but another to use it. The tendency of pupils in Welsh-medium education to use English is almost a cliché, but not as much attention is paid to the fluent Welsh speaking Assembly Member who chooses to use English in our national Senedd, despite there being every facility to use Welsh, or indeed the Welsh-speaking witness appearing before a committee who turns to English. What this demonstrates is the need for a change in attitude and culture and to foster confidence, pride and resolve.

 It is therefore obvious that we need to set about intelligently and energetically promoting the use of Welsh.

We have already argued that it is essential to establish language use during the early years, but this alone is not enough. What therefore are the factors which influence language choice? Here are some:

  • The presence of the language within the social environment, both visually and aurally
  • That Welsh language services are available, on offer and accessible; particularly in shops, cafes, bars etc. A cheap, simple but highly effective solution would be for all Welsh-speakers providing a service to wear an appropriate badge.

 We believe that the Welsh Language Commissioner and the language standards process should place particular emphasis on these two aspects.

Another key matter is developing the Welsh language within the workplace. We should look at developing a Welsh-speaking workforce and Welsh-speaking workplaces – starting with the public sector in those areas where the language is strongest.

Even more important however is the range and quality of all kinds of activities and experiences that are available in Welsh.

Much of this work is to be done at grass-roots level, through a network of Welsh Language Centres working closely with the local Mentrau Iaith, the Welsh-medium schools, Mudiad Meithrin and other organisations. The aim would be to create a powerful, lively and creative network, nurturing the vitality of the Welsh community which becomes attractive to all.

 DO YOU AGREE WITH US? HAVE YOU ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THE USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE, EITHER GENERALLY OR WITHIN A SPECIFIC SPHERE OR SECTOR?