Welsh Government called to act to ensure Cymraeg is “lived, not just learned”
Launching the report, Chair of the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee, Delyth Jewell MS, said: “Cymraeg belongs to every one of us in Wales, whether we speak it or not. But our inquiry shows that too many people lack the confidence, opportunities or spaces to use Welsh in their daily lives, especially in areas where Welsh is not often heard.
“Festivals, community groups, workplaces and new technologies all play a powerful role in bringing the language to life. Yet without long-term planning, proper investment and a commitment to building on momentum, we risk losing the gains already made.
“If we truly want a million Welsh speakers, and for those speakers to use the language every day, then the Welsh Government must be bold, proactive and ambitious. Cymraeg must be a language that people live, not just learn.”
The Committee is urging the Welsh Government to create a national legacy framework to ensure major Welsh language festivals leave a lasting, year round impact on their host communities.
It also calls for a dedicated legacy fund to support the Mentrau Iaith and local partners in delivering post festival programmes, particularly in areas with fewer Welsh speakers.
Ensuring that low income families can access major festivals at little, or no cost is highlighted as essential, supported by long-term, stable funding for the Urdd and the National Eisteddfod.
The report also stresses the need for stronger research to understand how festivals build confidence and increase everyday Welsh language use, especially in lower density areas.
Improving open data and removing barriers to data sharing are identified as priorities to support the development of Welsh language technology and AI. This must be accompanied by multiyear funding models and increased investment in institutions such as Canolfan Bedwyr.
In addition, the Committee is calling for: Support for community led and grassroots sports initiatives; help for clubs to recruit and train Welsh speaking coaches; and more informal opportunities for people to use Welsh in everyday settings.
The Welsh Government must now formally respond to the Committee’s recommendations.
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The rise of music venues and pubs/bars having Cymraeg specific nights is helping massively.
Surely helping promote grassroots local artists would give the much needed boost.
Where I work two people who have been successfully undertaking a role for years have just been sacked because the boss decided to change their roles to require fluent welsh language skills. When such an act is not only legal but supported by policy it’s fodder for the likes of Reform. Wales needs to respect both languages equally.