The Welsh Language Commissioner recently published her statutory five year report on the position of the Welsh language. The Commissioner notes that Cymraeg as a “natural community language is weakening”, and that young people are increasingly living their lives “in a context where English is the language of play and entertainment”.
The Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee heard through its inquiry – Cymraeg for all? – how important it is to create meaningful opportunities for engagement so that those who learn the language can use it. This is particularly true for areas and communities with lower densities of Welsh speakers. It also heard that changing Welsh language behaviour and confidence requires “intentional planning” and investment in the “physical, social, cultural and digital spaces where the Welsh language can become a natural part of the everyday”.
The Committee’s inquiry sought to highlight practical steps that build on existing structures, focussing on interventions that may have high impact for small levels of additional investment. While it is the current Welsh Government who will respond to the Committee’s recommendations, with the end of the Senedd term fast approaching, the decision to action them, or not, will likely fall to the next administration.
Sustaining the Welsh language and promoting its use requires a complex set of policies and interventions. Some interventions work universally across Wales, but some areas need intensive and prolonged interventions that support the linguistic and cultural characteristics of the community or area.
The Census 2021 shows that just under a fifth of the Welsh population can speak Welsh, but a recent YouGov Poll shows that two-thirds (67%) of the population are in favour of efforts to increase its use, with 63% of those who can’t speak Welsh supportive of the current direction.
