Category Archives: Cymunedau

DYFODOL CALLS FOR A REVIEW OF THE GWYNEDD AND MÔN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Reply

Dyfodol i’r Iaith is calling upon the local authorities of Gwynedd and Môn to review the target noted in their current Local Development Plan to build 7,184 new homes up to 2026.

The Development Plan was drawn up within the context of the future development of Wylfa atomic power station. Following the announcement that this plan will not be going ahead, Dyfodol believes that it is essential to review these building targets which are by now superfluous to local need.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’r Chair said:

“From the start, we were convinced that the Local Development Plan included building targets that were totally unsuitable for the area, and by now, there can surely be no justification in following a framework that is not only unsustainable, but which also threatens the Welsh language as a social medium.

We therefore call for an urgent review of the Local Development Plan, with priority being given to local needs – both economically and linguistically. Emphasis should be placed upon sustainable energy and supporting local businesses.”

PLANNING THE REGENERATION OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE CONSULTATION DISCUSSION POINT 2: CREATING WELSH SPEAKERS (i) THE EARLY YEARS

Reply

The second discussion point of our consultation on Planning the Regeneration of the Welsh Language is the key area of the early years.

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

We also note that the Welsh Government is currently conducting a consultation on a National Policy on Welsh language transmission and use in families (closing date 5th May, 2020). Perhaps you may also wish to contribute to this, and if so, then you are most welcome to share your comments with us as well.

Below is a summary of Dyfodol’s demands in relation to the provision of Welsh during the early years. 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

We look forward to hearing from you – do get in touch:

[email protected]

or telephone 01248 811798

 DISCUSSION POINT 2: CREATING WELSH SPEAKERS (i) THE EARLY YEARS

 The Principle:

The early years are of key importance in terms of establishing both fluency and the habit of using the language.

 DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS PRINCIPLE? HAVE YOU ANY COMMENTS TO MAKE?

The Aim:

  • During these years, the transference of the language through the home and family is of central significance – currently about 7% of homes are Welsh-speaking. We need to encourage and support parents to transmit the language to their children, The Twf plan (created by Cwmni Iaith Cyf, but now administered through Mudiad Meithrin) shows how this can be done.
  • In parallel with this, the use of the Welsh language needs to increase within the childcare system – in nursery classes but also the whole range of locations which provide care for young children. At this age, immersion rather than bilingualism is the fundamental principle. Much excellent work has already been done and the results have been impressive, but major gaps remain.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE ABOVE AIMS?

WHAT HELP AND SUPPORT DO PARENTS AND CARERS NEED TO TRANSFER THE WELSH LANGUAGE IN THE HOME?

HOW CAN WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE WELSH-MEDIUM CHILDCARE FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN?

HAVE YOU ANY EXPERIENCES OF PROMOTING EARLY YEARS USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE THAT YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SHARE WITH US?

HAVE YOU ANY FURTHER COMMENTS ON PROMOTING THE WELSH LANGUAGE DURING THE EARLY YEARS?

 

A CALL FOR A NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMWORK WHICH CONTRIBUTES THE SUCCESS OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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The National Development Framework 2020-2040 is expected to be published this summer. This document will set the direction for town and country planning throughout Wales, and according to Dyfodol i’r Iaith, it will have a significant implications for the Welsh language.

Wyn Thomas, a member of Dyfodol’s Board said:

“This Framework will provide a blueprint for planning over the Welsh Language Strategy’s timetable, and so one would expect it to make a positive contribution towards the Government’s aim of creating a million Welsh speakers. Unfortunately, the document in its present form misses several opportunities to do this.

The Framework gives no special consideration to Welsh-speaking areas and communities for example, and unlike the environment, the language has no Statutory Consultee to defend it. We believe that the Welsh Language Commissioner should be supported and enabled to take on this important and highly specialised duty.

As the Senedd discusses the Framework over the coming months, we are concerned that this lack of protection and expertise will undermine the consideration given to the Welsh language and the opportunity to safeguard its future within the planning system. It does not bode well that that the Housing and Local Government Minister is unwilling to discuss our concerns.

We fear that the detailed scrutiny that is necessary in relation to the language implications of the Framework will fall upon a very small number of committed Assembly Members. The relationship between town and country planning and the Welsh language is far to important to be overlooked – it is a significant issue for the whole nation.

Dyfodol have written to all the Assembly Members to draw attention to this and raise awareness of the basic principle of a planning system which supports the Government’s own committment to the Welsh language.”