Yearly Archives: 2018

S4C AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE: DYFODOL PRESSES FOR ITS PRIORITY

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has requested a meeting with the Chief Executive of S4C to discuss concerns about how the channel prioritises the Welsh language.

The organisation’s recent enquiries revealed that Welsh sub-titles are only given to 15 -20% of the channel’s broadcasting time, while 78% of its programmes have English sub-titles. Another concern is the increasing use of English in Welsh-language drama series.

Eifion Lloyd Jones, on behalf of Dyfodol, said:

“S4C is a Welsh-medium channel, and a channel which exists for the good of the language. We believe that the lack of Welsh-language subtitling deprives those Welsh-speaking people who are Deaf or hearing-impaired of a broadcasting service which should be accessible and available to them in their own language.”

“We are also concerned about the use of English in drama series, such as Pobol Y Cwm. These programmes have an important role to play in normalising the Welsh language , and in sharing the positive message that Welsh is a community language, and skill that can be learnt and used by all.”

“We look forward to the channel’s response, and to a positive discussion on how it can confirm and strengthen its core aims.”

 

DYFODOL’S PROGRAMME FOR THE EISTEDDFOD IN CAERDYDD

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Dyfodol is proud to announce that it will be hosting two presentations at Pabell y Cymdeithasau during this year’s Eisteddfod. On Wednesday 8th August, Gwion Lewis will be analysing the Welsh language within the planning system, and the following Friday, Eluned Morgan will be discussing new structures to promote the language.

Plenty of food for thought, then, and a warm welcome awaits you. We look forward to seeing you at the Eisteddfod!

Steddfod Caerdydd

GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT; DYFODOL’S RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith has welcomed the Welsh Government’s Programme for the Welsh language. The organization believes that this Programme, along with the proposed new Commission will build upon experience, by continuing to regulate the language, while putting more emphasis than has been seen in the past on its promotion.

Heini Gruffudd, the organization’s Chair, said:

“There is much to welcome here. Dyfodol i’r Iaith have been pressing from the start for a better balance between regulation and the positive promotion of the Welsh language, and we believe that we need to invest in structures and policies that can achieve this. We need to work towards increasing language skills and creating opportunities to use the language in everyday life; in the home, the workplace and the community. We must expand our horizons, and this Programme, which acknowledges the importance of education, and which is based on the principles of language planning, is a significant step in the right direction.”

He warned however that the success of the Programme, and of the Commission needs to be backed up by investment and commitment:

“The Programme is an ambitious one in terms of language growth – and we welcome that, of course – but it must be given sufficient resources if it is to succeed.”