PLANNING AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE: ENSURING A SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM

The link between the planning system and ensuring the viability of the Welsh language in its various communities has long been acknowledged. In the context of the Government’s aim to create a million Welsh speakers by 2050, the current challenge is to ensure that the planning system supports, rather than hinders this ambition.

 Over the past few months, new blueprints for a Planning Framework and Planning Policy for Wales have been published. But how likely are these developments to have a positive impact on the Welsh language? And how can the system be reformed in order to ensure conditions that promote the growth of the language?

These are some of the questions that will be discussed by Gwion Lewis at Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s presentation at Pabell y Cymdeithasau during the Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year. The organisation is proud to welcome Gwion, a s a speaker who has immense expertise in this complex field, and who has the talent to make his knowledge accessible to all.

 Gwion Lewis is a Barrister with Landmark Chambers in London, who specialises in planning law, and in accordance with his own background and interests, is uniquely placed to discuss his expertise within the context of Wales and the Welsh language. The meeting will be held at 11.45 am, Wednesday August 8 at Pabell y Cymdeithasau.

A NEW COMMISSION FOR THE WELSH LANGUAGE: AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THE AGENDA?

What can we expect of the new Commission announced by the Government to support the aim of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050? Dyfodol i’r Iaith is certainly eager to learn more, and to discuss the new structures aimed at addressing the challenge of promoting the language’s growth.

 Dyfodol i’r Iaith is very pleased therefore to welcome the Welsh Language Minister, Eluned Morgan to address our meeting at Pabell y Cymdeithasau during the Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the Government’s vision and the principles which underpin it.

 Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

 “Dyfodol i’r Iaith has long campaigned for a new policy direction in relation to the Welsh language, and we believe there is much to welcome in the Government’s latest announcements. We will obviously be keeping a close eye on how things develop, and we look forward to discussing this with the politicians over the coming months. We would wish to see a framework and structures which allow consideration of the language’s needs across all policy areas, and a broader vision, which emphasises growth, in terms of the number of people who can speak Welsh and the opportunities to speak it.”

 “We look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say, and to questioning her through our panel. Clearly, we will be emphasising the importance of commitment and sufficient resources if this new chapter is to succeed.”

 The meeting will be held at Pabell y Cymdeithasau at 1.15pm on Friday August 10.

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 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!