Five Aims Acheived

Five important steps have been taken to promote the Welsh language this year, according to Dyfodol i’r Iaith, the Welsh language lobby group.  Dyfodol i’r Iaith has held discussions in many fields, and this is starting to bear fruit, according to the Chair, Heini Gruffudd.

The five successes are:

  • Establishing  a National Entity for Welsh for Adults
  • Plans to establish four Welsh Centres in four towns in Wales
  • The possibility of two Welsh medium radio channels
  • Care Council for Wales’ resource  on using Welsh in social care
  • Carmarthenshire’s education policy, as part of a far reaching language policy for the county.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith, said “We have had a positive response from politicians and by many committees and bodies during the year, and it’s good to see that many of our suggestions are now being accepted.”

“All of the five steps involve extending the use of spoken Welsh and creating fair condition for acquiring new Welsh speakers.”

“It is crucial that those responsible for putting the five steps into practice do so effectively and with conviction, so that good operating models are established.”

During the next month we will concentrate on ensuring that Welsh is given proper recognition by the Planning Bill which is under consideration by the Government.”

Two Radio Stations

MOVEMENT WELCOMES THE POSSIBILITY OF TWO WELSH MEDIUM CHANNELS

Dyfodol i’r Iaith, the Welsh Language Lobby Group, has welcomed the announcement by Betsan Powys, Editor Radio Cymru, that Wales could have two Welsh medium radio channels.

Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith said, “We presented evidence to the BBC calling for two Welsh Radio Channels – Radio Pawb and Radio Pop.  The aim is to have one traditional channel and one channel for younger listeners.”

“We are encouraged that some of Radio Cymru’s new programmes are popular, and Tomo has clearly made his mark in a short time, and Radio Cymru’s listening figures are rising.”

“The difficulty is satisfying all kinds of audiences at the same time.  In English there is a wide choice of channels, and it would be great for Welsh listeners to have a chance to choose the channel that appeals most to them.”

“It’s good to hear that technical developments could make it possible to have two Welsh medium channels, either under the BBC or run by independent broadcasters.”

Welsh and Sport

CALL FOR CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE WELSH IN SPORTS   In congratulating Team Wales on their achievements in the Commonwealth Games, Dyfodol i’r Iaith is calling for a campaign to promote Welsh in sports. Heini Gruffudd, Chair of Dyfodol i’r Iaith, said, “it’s great to hear some of Wales’ athletes talking in Welsh on radio and television, showing that Welsh is a very living language in sports.” “The Urdd in arranging the Welsh Games has also given a strong lead in bringing the language to the heart of sports. “The need now is to ensure that sports, athletics and swimming and leisure activities are available through the medium of Welsh in all communities in every county in Wales. “It would be valuable for the Language Standards which the Government will set up in November to set targets for Local Authorities regarding giving Welsh activities for young people. “There is also a need for a language promotion campaign aimed at sports clubs. There are some excellent examples, such as Crymych Rugby Club which runs 11 teams through the medium of Welsh. “Some national bodies, such as the Football Association of Wales has a bilingual website and produces bilingual materials, but the Welsh Rugby Union has a largely English only presence. “We look forward to seeing the Language Commissioner and the First Minister working together to produce a comprehensive programme to further Welsh in the world of sport over the next few years.”