Category Archives: Cynllunio Ieithyddol

A VOTE TO LEAVE THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY A SOURCE OF CONCERN IN RELATION TO THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have expressed concern over the possible effect that a vote to leave the European Community may have on the Welsh language.

The language benefits greatly from the collaboration between the supporters of minority languages across Europe

The European Parliament has been an important platform for political co-operation in favour of the Welsh language and other languages, as borne out by the recent successes of politicians from Wales in raising the status of the Welsh language within the European Union’s own institutions.

The Council of Europe has shown leadership in promoting the European Charter for Minority or Regional Languages, which sets duties under International law on the United Kingdom to promote and protect the Welsh language and the other indigenous languages of the British Isles and Ireland. Closer collaboration between the European Union and Council is taking place, and this offers exciting possibilities for further enhancing the status of the Welsh language

If the UK leaves the European Community there is a danger that these opportunities will be lost.

Since the nature of the relationship between the UK and the EU following a no vote is currently unclear, the uncertainty in relation to the Welsh language, as in the case of the economy remains a source of anxiety.

 

ANNOUNCING ELECTION RESULTS: DYFODOL CALLS FOR MORE CONSIDERATION FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE

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Following the announcement of the Assembly election results last Friday morning, Dyfodol i’r Iaith has written to the Welsh Language Commissioner to ask for more clarity regarding the expectations in relation to the Welsh language.

As the results came in, it became clear that there was significant variation in the emphasis given to the Welsh language and in the standard of the Welsh that was heard. Although it is always commendable to hear learners use the language, some announcers seemed to have great difficulty with the language; on other occasions, the results were announced in full through the medium of English, leaving the Welsh as an afterthought, with media commentators speaking over it.

It is of key importance that the Welsh language is heard and respected on public occasions such as this, and Dyfodol have asked the Commissioner for clarification regarding which language standards are relevant in relation to announcing election results. The organisation has also requested that the Commissioner draw up clear guidelines, in order to avoid any future inconsistencies.

 

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.”