Category Archives: Cynllunio Ieithyddol

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

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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.”

 

CALL FOR IMMEDIATE S4C AUTHORITY MEETING TO CANCEL ENGLISH SUBTITLES CAMPAIGN

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have criticised S4C’s five-day experiment to set default English subtitles on some of its most popular programmes, and the organisation has called for an emergency meeting of the channel’s Authority to cancel this flawed campaign.

While accepting the importance of Welsh and English subtitles for some viewers, the organisation is very worried that the English language is being imposed upon one of the Welsh language’s key domains. It has also become clear that automatic English subtitles significantly undermine the viewing experience for Welsh speakers and learners.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“It has become clear that this experiment has been a failure from the start. The many comments on social websites, particularly by young people, the audience of the future, is ample proof of this. Another pressing concern is that some announcements following the programmes have been in English, thus changing the channel’s language and undermining its very raison d’être. Those who enjoy and expect the Welsh language are being disappointed, and learners are denied the experience of being immersed in the language.

We would call upon S4C to reconsider this flawed experiment and reinstate and encourage the viewer’s choice in relation to subtitles.”

DYFODOL’S RESPONSE TO THE NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAP

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While acknowledging the challenges facing local government in Wales, Dyfodol i’r Iaith have been pressing for serious consideration to be given to the Welsh language throughout the process of re-drawing the boundaries of the new local authorities.

This has been a process which potentially offers both opportunities and threats in relation to promoting the Welsh language; its public status, Service provision and establishing administrations and workforces where due emphasis and value is given to the language.

The boundaries announced today pose a challenge in terms of extending the use of Welsh throughout the new authorities, and Dyfodol will continue to lobby and work together towards ensuring improvement rather than decline following the announcement of the new map.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“It is essential that we protect the good work that’s has already been achieved, and through this, establish a basis for sharing and working towards good practice.

As a first step, Dyfodol i’r Iaith would seek an assurance that any new authority established in the north west adopts the Welsh language as its internal administrative medium, as is currently the situation in Gwynedd.”

Serious consideration should be given to boundaries that would be appropriate for promoting Welsh-medium administration. There is a strong argument in terms of language policy for the north to have three councils: Gwynedd and Anglesey, Denbighshire and Conwy and Flint and Wrexham.”