Author Archives: Ruth Richards

MILIWN O SIARADWYR? – O DDIFRI’? (A MILLION WELSH SPEAKERS – SERIOUSLY?) DYFODOL I’R IAITH’S PUBLIC MEETING YR EGIN, CAERFYRDDIN MAY 25th

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As we all know, the Welsh Government has set a target of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050. But what exactly is the strategy for reaching this ambitious aim? What needs to be done now to set the work on track?

Since the Welsh Language Bill, the original plan for reaching the target, has been abandoned, what alternatives need to be put in place if the Government is to achieve its aim? Can we seriously expect progress without fundamental changes to the existing structures and ideas?

Dyfodol i’r Iaith believes that these questions must be addressed if the Welsh language is to thrive, and this public meeting will be an opportunity to ask politicians how best to proceed with this essential and urgent work.

The panel will include the Welsh Language Minister, Eluned Morgan; the Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price; Cynog Davis of Dyfodol’s Board and Dr Mererid Hopwood will chair the discussion. The meeting is free of charge and a warm welcome is extended to all. If you are passionate or passionately worried about the future of the language, then please call in at Yr Egin on Saturday morning, 25th May between 11.00 and 12.30; we look forward to meeting you!

 

 

 

DYFODOL SLAMS CARTREFI CYMUNEDOL GWYNEDD AND CALLS FOR MORE WELSH IN THE WORKPLACE

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has reacted angrily to Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd’s advertisement for a Deputy Chief Executive which does not include any requirement to speak the Welsh language. The only reference to the language in the person specification is need for, ” an empathy towards the Welsh language and culture of north Wales.”

Eifion Lloyd-Jones said on behalf of Dyfodol:

“In an area where the majority speak Welsh and the overwhelming majority of Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd staff use the language in their work, we believe that not only is this utterly unacceptable, but impractical too.”

“Needless to say this sets a very dangerous precedent. In the context of increasing the number of Welsh speakers, we should promoting the Welsh language in the workplace and supporting staff to learn Welsh. This specification doesn’t even contain a requirement to learn the language.”

“We therefore call on Carterfi Cymunedol Gwynedd to reconsider their recruitment process and on the Welsh Government to acknowledge the workplace as a key area for promoting the growth of the Welsh language.”

 

 

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.”