Author Archives: Ruth Richards

LANGUAGE STANDARDS AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDING

Reply

Dyfodol i’r Iaith are pressing for the Language Standards to come into force as soon as possible in relation to organisations which receive over £400,000 of public funding. In the meantime, Dyfodol are also calling on the Welsh Language Commissioner to work within the full extent of her powers to ensure these organisations’ commitment to the Welsh language.
Following the recent complaints regarding the National Botanic Gardens of Wales’s language provision, Dyfodol contacted the Welsh Language Commissioner only to be told that the Gardens’ Language Scheme currently has a “voluntary” status. This means that they are under no statutory obligation to avoid treating the Welsh language less favourably than English until the Language Standards come into force. This is unlikely to come about for some months.
Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:
“The Botanic Gardens is a national organisation named within the Welsh Language Measure, and yet they are currently under no obligation to do anything beyond what they volunteer to do. This shows the need to press ahead with the Language Standards.
In the meantime, we would call upon the Commissioner to put pressure on organisations such as the Botanic Gardens to plan and provide Welsh language services for their users. This would be in keeping with the principle of the law, and would encourage organisations to start preparing immediately for the statutory requirements of the Language Standards

Saith Seren: Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Response

Reply

Dyfodol i’r Iaith were very disappointed to hear that Saith Seren is due to close next month. The venture has been arranging and promoting Welsh medium events and gigs in Wrexham since 2012.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith believes that Welsh Language Centres such as this provide an ideal and entertaining means of promoting the use of the language. They also provide an opportunity to learn Welsh and promote confidence in its use in areas, such as Wrexham, where the opportunities to use Welsh as a natural medium can be comparatively scarce.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“It’s a great shame that Saith Seren has to close.

 

Establishing Welsh Language Centres is an important part of making Welsh a living language in areas where there are fewer speakers. The Welsh Government has accepted this principle, and have started to contribute to the establishment of such centres. While this is to be welcomed, what is needed now is a robust plan to establish Welsh Language Centres across Wales.

 

The hundred and more Language Centres in the Basque Country provides us with an example to follow. These are supported by central and local government, and by organisations responsible for teaching the language to adults.”