Author Archives: Ruth Richards

S4C CONFIRMS THAT DEFAULT SUBTITLES ARE NOT THEIR INTENTION FOR THE FUTURE

Reply

S4C has given the organisation Dyfodol i’r Iaith confirmation that open subtitles are not an intention in the future development of the channel.

This was revealed in a meeting between Dyfodol and Ian Jones, S4C’s Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive emphasised that the week of open subtitles at the beginning of March was intended as a campaign to raise awareness of subtitles. This was not an experiment for the future, and the intention is to continue to offer optional subtitles. The situation remains the same with open subtitles for some late-night repeats.

Following a constructive meeting, the organisation is satisfied that the channel will not be considering obligatory English subtitles for the foreseeable future.

Dyfodol also took advantage of the situation to discuss the channel’s promotion of the Welsh language, in addition to the opportunities and challenges offered by new technologies.

Following the meeting, Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said;

“ We were very grateful of this opportunity to discuss the channel’s work and output with its Chief Executive. Clearly, the channel has a key role to play in promoting the language and our culture. It was also an opportunity to confirm our support for Welsh-language broadcasting, and we will be contributing our comments to the forthcoming review.”

DYFODOL I’R IAITH CALLS FOR A ROBUST ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE IN PLANNING MATTERS

Reply

A robust Standard framework is needed to assess Welsh language impact in planning matters.

This is the conclusion Dyfodol i’r Iaith has come to following the passing of last year’s Planning Bill. Dyfodol believes that such a framework must offer an acknowledged methodology, based upon linguistic and local expertise in addition to town and rural planning input.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith have drawn up comments on the guidelines of the Technical Advice 20: Planning and the Welsh Language, which was updated to reflect the new requirements in relation to the language.

Ruth Richards, Dyfodol’s Chief Executive said,

“ Establishing a standard methodology is of key importance if we are to build upon the gains of the Planning Bill. We would draw the Government’s attention to the good practice that is already developing in relation to the Gwynedd and Môn Development Plan.

In this case, it was agreed that evidence regarding the Welsh language be reviewed. The Gwynedd and Môn Housing and Planning Campaign Committee (which includes representation from Dyfodol i’r Iaith, Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Cylch yr Iaith and Canolfan Hanes Uwchgwyrfai) are commissioning an independent specialist assessment which will be considered as part of the review. We hope that this process and the co-operation behind it will establish a pattern for good practice throughout Wales.”

 

DYFODOL I’R IAITH WELCOMES THE GOVERNMENT’S EVALUATION OF WELSH MEDIUM EDUCATION, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO PROGRESS

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has welcomed the Government’s Evaluation of Welsh Medium Education. The Evaluation clearly shows that the Government has positive policies on the one hand, but that, on the other, targets have not been reached.

The Government has been receiving weak Schemes from Local Authorities, which has led to some counties not moving one step forward in ten years. The Evaluation states that there has been a lack of strategic planning to support the growth in Welsh-medium education amongst many local authorities and providers.

The Evaluation makes it clear that planning for Welsh-medium education has not been taking place on the basis of demand, which is one of the principles of the Government’s Strategy.

The Evaluation states that the Governments needs to clearly state its expectations that partners plan suitably in order to increase provision, and where appropriate, to stimulate demand in order to realise the Government’s vision for the growth of Welsh-medium education.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith looks forward to the next Welsh Government getting to grips with correcting past ineffectiveness and implementing processes to ensure the increase of Welsh-medium education.