Wales needs a new body to promote Welsh, says ex-Deputy First Minister
Wales should have a new body to promote the Welsh language, a former Deputy First Minister has suggested.
Ex-Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones, who entered government as part of the One Wales coalition with Labour in 2007, made the suggestion in his autobiography.
Hr argued that it’s “difficult” for the government to promote the Welsh language “internally” and that a “separate” body should be created.
The One Wales coalition government established the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol as well as the office of the Welsh Language Commissioner.
Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “I believe that the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol have achieved what we had hoped, to a degree.
“From Coleg Cymraeg’s point of view, we had hoped that it would be given more resources, but I think, on the whole, it has established itself in the sense that there are more opportunities for people to do courses through the medium of Welsh and that opportunities have increased. It is certainly something we should be proud of.
“As far as the Commissioner is concerned, he can enforce his powers to ensure public bodies comply and offer Welsh language provision.
‘Private sector’
“But, the question is, to what extent can you move that forward into the private sector? Certainly, the Commissioner has the power to ensure compliance rather than goodwill, as in the days of the Welsh Language Board.
“But there is still room for a separate body to promote the Welsh language – and our experience since the measure has shown that its very difficult for the Government to do that internally.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones’ autobiography, ‘O’r Cyrion i’r Canol’, published by Y Lolfa is available in local book shops or from Y Lolfa’s website, www.ylolfa.com.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
Welsh must be the first language in wales 🏴 and no more second homes 🏠 in wales 🏴 welsh people have got to start fighting for a new wales 🏴 and start fighting for your children and grandchildren future in wales 🏴 welsh people have got to stop being little Englanders and be proud to be welsh it’s time for a new wales 🏴
According to this site’s code of conduct for comments; “7. Don’t spam Repetitive messages on the same comment section or across comment sections will be deleted and the IP address blocked.”
It’s high time this broken record was blocked permanently.!
Come on Grayham, nothing wrong with the leitmotif, but do give us some variation.
A nice new fuge would be wonderful
Not another body.
Give the Welsh language economic incentive and most of the battle is won.
People are struggling to make stable income and not worried about a language they barely hear in their community. (Sometimes because Welsh speakers are far too shy and polite)
Also legislate for Welsh on all packaging alongside English
Bilingual signage is an inexpensive gesture, but how wonderful it would be if Tesco and other larger supermarkets would install one or two Desg Talu where the presumption is that you are going to speak Welsh.
Not many people speak Welsh where I live, and I am loathe to try and practice speaking Welsh to someone who probably does not speak it as I don’t want to make anyone who does not speak Welsh feel awkward, or looked down on, especially as I’m only a learner.
Isn’t that what Mentrau Iaith exist to do, or does he mean something a bit different?