Category Archives: Cynllunio Ieithyddol

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.”

 

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.”